Epiroc trials battery electric surface drill rig

Skanska will field test the SmartROC T35 E battery electric drill rig at a quarry near Stockholm. (Photo: Epiroc)

Epiroc, a global supplier of mining and infrastructure equipment, has reached an agreement with Swedish construction company Skanska to field test an inaugural battery electric drill rig designed to enhance the environmental standards of quarries and larger construction sites. Skanska will test the rig at one of its quarries near Stockholm. The machine, manufactured in Örebro, Sweden, will arrive at the quarry in September.

Johan Eliasson, project manager, Skanska Industrial Solutions AB, described the agreement with Epiroc as a “milestone” and a new opportunity to reduce the company’s climate impact. “I am very happy about the long collaboration between Epiroc and Skanska, and it is exciting to be able to do this project together,” he said. “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.”

“Skanska is a perfect partner for this trial as they have their own quarries which are fitted with the infrastructure required to handle the operation of this new technology,” Peter Beckman, business line manager, Epiroc Customer Center Sweden, commented. “I am looking forward to following this exciting project during the coming months.”

Based on the SmartROC T35 surface drill rig, the SmartROC T35 E is equipped with both a battery and an electric cable, which enables the customer to drill with the most suitable alternative based on the location and situation. It is fitted with the same type of batteries and subcomponents as those used in Epiroc underground battery solutions, streamling spare parts handling and service for customers with several different operations. 

According to Epiroc, customer benefits from the battery electric rig include emissions-free operations, lower noise pollution and vibrations and higher productivity. In addition, the rig comes with a range of smart features, options and enhanced automation solutions for optimal safety, reliability and performance.

Epiroc plans to offer its complete fleet of underground mining equipment as battery-electric versions by 2025, and its full fleet for surface operations as battery-powered versions by 2030. Its sustainability goals include halving CO2 emissions in operations and from sold products.

“Epiroc has bold sustainability targets in place for the year 2030,” said Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s president and CEO. “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.”