In a significant move that could reshape the mining landscape, ABB and Epiroc have inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) focused on underground trolley equipment. This collaboration aims to deliver integrated solutions designed to boost productivity and safety while simultaneously meeting decarbonisation targets. The MOU builds on previous successes in Swedish mines, a testament to the companies’ commitment to innovation and sustainability in the mining sector.
The agreement sets the stage for a comprehensive feasibility assessment, where teams from both companies will evaluate their combined offerings. This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s a deep dive into the nitty-gritty of mining applications, considering the pressing demands for productivity, sustainability, and safety in high-power, automated operations. The resulting solutions will be rugged enough to withstand the harsh realities of underground environments, adhering to approved industry standards.
ABB and Epiroc have already made waves with the introduction of the first battery-electric trolley truck system for underground mining, developed in collaboration with Swedish mining giant Boliden. This innovation aligns perfectly with the findings from ABB’s Mining’s Moment report, which revealed that a whopping 76% of global mining companies see vehicle electrification as a game-changer for sustainability and efficiency. Moreover, 42% of these companies are gearing up to invest in decarbonising their haulage fleets by 2026. With the urgency for action palpable, ABB and Epiroc are stepping up to the plate.
As mining customers increasingly demand solutions that not only electrify their vehicle fleets but also help them fully decarbonise operations under various pressures—be it environmental, societal, or economic—this partnership could not have come at a better time. Both companies bring complementary expertise in trolley solutions tailored for underground systems, positioning them to deliver integrated offerings that leverage existing technologies.
Wayne Symes, President of Epiroc’s Underground division, underscored the importance of collaboration in this transformation. “Collaboration within the mining industry is crucial to accelerate the transformation of our mining customers’ decarbonisation journey. We are excited to deepen our partnership with ABB by developing a strategic roadmap for sustainable, innovative mining, beginning with the decarbonisation of mining truck fleets,” he noted.
Max Luedtke, Global Business Line Manager for Mining at ABB Process Industries, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “The decarbonisation of mine haulage fleets is becoming increasingly pressing as we look towards 2030 sustainability goals. We must encourage collaboration across the industry to speed up the change needed, and Epiroc is aligned with this approach,” he stated.
The MOU not only signifies a commitment to innovation but also a recognition that successful partnerships are vital for driving momentum in the energy transition. With 71% of mining companies agreeing on the importance of collaboration, ABB and Epiroc are setting a precedent that could very well inspire similar alliances across the industry.
As the mining sector navigates the complexities of electrification and decarbonisation, the stakes have never been higher. This partnership may just be the catalyst the industry needs to move towards a more sustainable and efficient future. The implications of this collaboration extend beyond just technology; they challenge the very norms of how the mining industry approaches sustainability and operational excellence.
