In a groundbreaking move that could reshape the mining industry’s approach to sustainability and automation, Epiroc AB has secured its largest-ever contract to supply Fortescue Metals Group with a fleet of fully autonomous and electric surface mining equipment. Valued at a staggering MAUD 350 (SEK 2.2 billion) over five years, this deal is not just a commercial victory for Epiroc but a significant milestone in the march towards greener, more efficient mining operations.
The contract, expected to be partially booked in the second quarter of 2025, includes Epiroc’s blasthole drill rigs—the cable-electric Pit Viper 271 E and the battery-electric SmartROC D65 BE. These machines will be deployed at Fortescue’s iron ore mines in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, marking a substantial step towards reducing the carbon footprint of one of the world’s largest iron ore producers.
Fortescue’s ambition to decarbonize its operations is evident in its plans to eliminate around 35 million liters of diesel consumption annually with these new machines. This transition is part of a broader strategy to replace approximately 800 pieces of heavy mining equipment with zero-emission alternatives by the end of the decade. Additionally, Fortescue aims to deploy 2-3GW of renewable energy and battery storage across the Pilbara, underscoring its commitment to sustainable mining practices.
The significance of this contract extends beyond environmental benefits. The autonomous nature of the equipment, overseen from Fortescue’s Integrated Operations Centre in Perth, more than 1,500 kilometers away, highlights the growing role of automation in enhancing safety and productivity. This move could set a new standard for the industry, pushing other mining giants to accelerate their adoption of autonomous and electric technologies.
Epiroc’s President and CEO, Helena Hedblom, expressed pride in supporting Fortescue’s efforts, stating, “Fortescue is on the forefront of the mining industry in reducing emissions from operations, and in using automation to strengthen safety and productivity, and we are proud to support them on this important effort.” Hedblom also emphasized the contract’s importance for Epiroc, noting that it represents a major step forward for their electric-powered surface equipment.
Fortescue Metals’ CEO, Dino Otranto, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We’re thrilled to be joining forces with Epiroc to bring cutting-edge electric mining equipment into our operations. The deployment of this new fleet of electric drills will immediately start reducing our carbon footprint, cutting over 90,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually once the fleet is operational.” Otranto’s words underscore the immediate and tangible benefits of this technological shift.
This partnership between Epiroc and Fortescue is more than just a business deal; it’s a bold statement about the future of mining. As the industry grapples with the challenges of sustainability and efficiency, this contract serves as a beacon, illuminating a path forward. It challenges the status quo, pushing other companies to innovate and adapt. The ripple effects of this deal could be profound, accelerating the adoption of electric and autonomous technologies across the mining sector.
The mining industry is at a crossroads, and this contract between Epiroc and Fortescue could be the catalyst that drives it towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future. As other companies watch and learn, the stage is set for a new era of mining—one that prioritizes environmental responsibility and operational excellence. The question now is, who will follow suit and who will be left behind? The future of mining is electric, autonomous, and sustainable, and this contract is a significant step in that direction.
