Epiroc to trial battery-electric, zero emission surface drill rig

Epiroc has agreed with Swedish construction company Skanska to field test, what Epiroc says is, the world's first battery-electric drill rig for surface operations. The trial is a milestone in the journey towards zero-emission drilling in surface mines and quarries.

The design of the battery-electric rig is based on Epiroc's SmartROC T35 surface drill rig. Using Epiroc's vast experience in 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 operations, 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 will arrive at the quarry in September. The SmartROC T35 E is not currently on the market.

"Epiroc has bold sustainability targets in place for the year 2030," says 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."

"A milestone has been reached and a new opportunity has come to reduce our climate impact," says Johan Eliasson, project manager at 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."

Epiroc's battery-electric solutions are attracting strong interest from the market. Benefits of the battery-electric machines include emissions-free operations, lower noise pollution and vibrations, and higher productivity. The machines play a vital role in Epiroc's sustainability goals for 2030, which include halving the CO2e emissions in operations and from sold products. In 2021, the goals were validated by the Science Backed Targets initiative as being in line with keeping global warming at a maximum of 1.5 degrees C, consistent with the latest climate science and the goal of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Epiroc will offer its complete fleet of underground mining equipment in battery-electric versions by 2025, and its full fleet for surface operations in battery-powered versions by 2030.