Epiroc will showcase a demonstrator of the first ever Down-The-Hole (DTH) SmartROC D65 battery-electric drill rig at the MINExpo exhibition in Las Vegas, September 24-26. This innovative surface drill rig it says  will play an important role in the shift 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 tail pipe 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,” says Martin Johansson, Acting Vice President Marketing, Epiroc Surface division.

The SmartROC D65 BE demonstrator is based on the well-proven SmartROC D65 surface drill rig. In combination with invaluable experience gained from the development of Epiroc underground battery rigs, this new rig is designed to enhance the environmental standards of mining and larger quarry sites. Besides the low emissions, this rig provides the same range of on-board 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 solution – and with SmartROC D65 BE we meet those demands,” says Mattias Hjerpe, Global Product Manager, Epiroc Surface division.

The leading service provider Capital Ltd has been a close partner during the testing phase. The SmartROC D65 BE demonstrator on the stand will also go directly to Capital Ltd for field trial after the exhibition. Capital Ltd points out that SmartROC D65 BE will be an important asset in their future transition journey towards reducing emission 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,” says Peter Stokes, Chief Executive Officer Capital Ltd.

The SmartROC D65 BE demonstrator is equipped with a battery which drives the tramming motors and an electric cable to hook it up to provide power for drilling. “The SmartROC D65 BE surface drill rig is fitted with the same type of well-proven batteries and subcomponents as in other Epiroc battery solutions. This streamlines spare parts handling and service for customers with several different operations,” says Hjerpe.

Epiroc says its battery-electric solutions are attracting strong interest from the market. Customer benefits include emissions-free operations, lower noise pollution and vibration, and higher productivity. The rig plays a vital role in Epiroc’s ambitious sustainability goals for 2030, which include halving the CO2 emissions in operations and from sold products when compared to 2019 levels.

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 says it is determined to offer its full range of underground equipment in an emission-free version by 2025, and for the surface equipment it aims to offer the same by 2030.