Epiroc unveils electric drill rig at MINExpo

Epiroc has planned to debut the first-ever Down-The-Hole SmartROC D65 battery-electric drill rig at the MINExpo exhibition in Las Vegas, 24-26 September

This groundbreaking surface drill rig is a significant step towards a green transition and zero-emission drilling in surface mines.

“We are very excited to showcase this rig at this year´s MINExpo. The SmartROC D65 BE is a milestone for us and for surface drilling around the world. The fact that we are removing tailpipe emissions from the drilling process is an important step towards a better environment. This accomplishment also shows that Epiroc has a vital role to play in making our industry more sustainable,”remarked Martin Johansson, acting vice-president marketing, Epiroc Surface Division.

Green mining innovation

The SmartROC D65 BE demonstrator builds on the proven SmartROC D65 surface drill rig. Leveraging Epiroc’s experience from developing underground battery rigs, this new model is designed to improve environmental standards in mining and large quarry sites. Along with its low emissions, it offers the same range of smart features, and delivers high safety, reliability, and performance in a quieter working environment.

“We have seen a demand in the mining business for greener solutions—and with SmartROC D65 BE we meet those demands,” commented Mattias Hjerpe, global product manager, Epiroc Surface Division.

The leading service provider, Capital Limited, has been a close partner during the testing phase. Following the exhibition, the SmartROC D65 BE demonstrator will proceed directly to Capital Limited for field trials. Capital Limited highlights that the SmartROC D65 BE will be a key asset in their journey towards reducing emissions and decarbonisation.

“We are excited to be partnering with Epiroc to field test this innovative electric drill rig technology that will help drive our industry towards more sustainable operations. To be at the forefront of the transformation towards emissions-free surface drilling supports our company’s overarching commitment to decarbonisation, as well as providing value for our customers,”stated Peter Stokes, CEO, Capital Limited.

The SmartROC D65 BE is powered by a battery that drives the tramming motors and is connected via an electric cable to supply power for drilling.

The SmartROC D65 BE is crucial to Epiroc’s sustainability goals for 2030. Epiroc’s battery-electric solutions are generating strong market interest, offering benefits such as emissions-free operations, reduced noise pollution and vibration, and increased productivity. This rig is vital to Epiroc’s ambitious 2030 sustainability goals, which include halving CO2 emissions in operations and from sold products compared to 2019 levels. In 2021, these goals were validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative as aligned with keeping global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C, in line with the latest climate science and the Paris Climate Agreement. Epiroc is committed to offering its full range of underground equipment in an emission-free version by 2025, and for surface equipment by 2030.