Epiroc and Swedish construction company Skanska have teamed up to field test 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 around the world.

Epiroc is taking a major step with the inaugural battery-powered drill rig for surface operations. The design of the rig is based on Epiroc’s well-proven SmartROC T35 surface drill rig.

Using Epiroc’s vast experience from the development of the 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. Epiroc is already a leading provider of battery-electric machines and solutions for underground mines.

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 later when the SmartROC T35 E will be available on the market. 

Epiroc president Helena Hedblom said the company had bold sustainability targets in place for 2030.

“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, ” she said.

Epiroc’s battery-electric solutions are attracting strong interest from the market. Customers’ benefits include emissions-free operations, lower noise pollution and vibrations, and higher productivity.

Epiroc will 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.

Editor of industrial titles and mastheads with Prime Creative Media. Publications include Rail Express and Australian Mining (web content). View all posts by Ray Chan →

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