Epiroc is embarking on a field test of the world’s first battery-electric drill rig for surface operations, which will happen jointly with construction company Skanska.

The two Swedish giants have signed an agreement to this effect, under which the trial will take place jointly. Epiroc said in a statement that the trial of the equipment is a milestone in the journey towards zero-emission drilling in surface mines and quarries around the world.

Skanska will test the rig at a quarry near Stockholm, Sweden. The machine, manufactured in Orebro, Sweden, will arrive at the quarry in September. Epiroc will announce later when the SmartROC T35 E will be available on the market.

Epiroc said it 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 proven SmartROC T35 surface drill rig. Using Epiroc’s 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, said the statement.

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.

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

Johan Eliasson, project manager, Skanska Industrial Solutions AB, added: “A milestone has been reached and a new opportunity has come to reduce our 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. 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 added that its battery-electric solutions are attracting strong interest from the market. Customers’ benefits include emissions-free operations, lower noise pollution and vibrations, and higher productivity.
The company added that the machines play a vital role in its “ambitious 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 1.5° 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 as battery-electric versions by 2025, and its full fleet for surface operations as battery-powered versions by 2030.