Epiroc to trial first-ever battery-electric surface drill rig
Skanska quarry to field test world’s first zero-emission drill rig for surface mines and quarries
EPIROC have reached agreement with Swedish construction company Skanska to field test the world’s first battery-electric drill rig for surface operations, marking a milestone in the journey towards zero-emission drilling in surface mines and quarries around the world.
The design of the SmartROC T35 E rig is based on Epiroc’s well-proven SmartROC T35 surface drill rig and utilizes Epiroc’s vast experience from the development of underground battery rigs.
The SmartROC T35 E is designed to enhance the environmental standards of quarries and larger construction sites. In addition to zero emissions in operation, the rig comes with a range of smart features, options, and enhanced automation solutions for optimal safety, reliability, and performance.
Skanska will test the rig at a quarry near Stockholm, Sweden. The machine, manufactured in Örebro, Sweden, will arrive at the quarry in September. Epiroc will announce in due course when the SmartROC T35 E will be available on the market.
‘We have bold sustainability targets in place for the year 2030,’ said Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s president and chief executive officer. ‘With the SmartROC T35 E, we are taking a large step towards reaching our promise to offer a full range of emissions-free products for quarries and large construction applications.’
‘A milestone has been reached and a new opportunity has come to reduce our climate impact,’ commented Johan Eliasson, project manager with Skanska Industrial Solutions AB. ‘I am very happy about the long collaboration between Epiroc and Skanska, and it is exciting to be able to do this project together.
‘Both companies have set bold environmental goals – this project really takes a great step towards Skanska´s goal of being completely climate neutral by 2045, which is an important part of our promise to build a better society.’
According to Epiroc, battery-electric solutions are attracting strong interest from the market, with customer benefits that include emissions-free operations, lower noise pollution and vibrations, and higher productivity.
The machines will also play a vital role in Epiroc’s own ambitious sustainability goals for 2030, which include halving the company’s CO2e emissions in operations and from sold products.
Epiroc say they will offer their complete fleet of underground mining equipment as battery-electric versions by 2025, and their full fleet for surface operations as battery-powered versions by 2030.
