Epiroc unveils 2nd generation battery electric underground mining range

According to Mining News Pro -With over 60,000 operating hours, Epiroc said today it is now expanding its proven battery offering and zero-emission fleet with the second generation in underground loaders, trucks and drill rigs and a new battery service offering. IM is attending the company’s Power Change Days event in Örebro, Sweden.

Battery-electric equipment allows a mine to unlock a number of benefits: improved health and safety, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and decreased operating costs. “We are leading the charge towards sustainability in mining through battery electric, zero-emission equipment,” says Stevan Topalovic, Vice President Marketing Underground Rock Excavation division at Epiroc.

“At Power Change Days, we proudly present our second generation electric battery 14 and 18 t loaders, our 42 t truck and our mid-sized drilling family including face drilling, production drilling and rock reinforcement rigs.”

Power Change Days in Örebro, Sweden highlights knowledge and development at the forefront of this industry shift. Key speakers are sharing their expertise in battery-driven equipment, battery production and research.

“The mine of the future is carbon-dioxide-free, digitalized and autonomous. This requires new control systems, improved equipment as well as efficient management systems that meet future demands for a sustainable industry,” says Anders Hedqvist, Vice President of R&D in the Epiroc Underground Rock Excavation division at Epiroc. “Today, our selected key partners on site will see presentations of our new battery-driven rigs and learn about our new battery service offering. In our innovation arena, the new Control Tower, we will also demonstrate advanced automation solutions and discuss strategies towards safer, more productive operations.”

To realise the technology shift, Epiroc has joined forces with partners like Northvolt and ABB to develop the second-generation electric technology platform, specifically designed for the high requirements of the mining industry regarding safety, performance and reliability.