Tag Archives: Helena Hedblom

Epiroc-Dumas

Epiroc banks Dumas order for drills, loaders and trucks in Mexico

Epiroc says it has won a large order in Mexico from Canada-based mining services provider Dumas Contracting Ltd for underground mining equipment and related services and solutions.

Dumas, a subsidiary of STRACON Group – a leading provider of state-of-the-art underground and surface mining services throughout the Americas – is a full-service underground mining contractor. It has ordered a range of Epiroc rigs for face drilling, production drilling and rock reinforcement, as well as loaders and mine trucks for use at a silver mine in northern Mexico.

The order is valued at about SEK200 million ($19.5 million) and was booked in the March quarter of 2024.

Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, said: “We have several years of successful partnership with Dumas in Canada and the United States, and we are happy to now support them in Mexico so they can provide their mining clients with the best solutions possible to strengthen safety and productivity.”

Paolo Herrera, Vice President Operations, Mexico, Dumas, said: “Building upon decades of successful partnerships, we have once again aligned with Epiroc to provide equipment solutions to one of our critical projects in Mexico as both parties were able to develop a common understanding of service delivery, which will enable Dumas to add value to our mining clients. We look forward to delivering world-class mining services that are founded in safe and productive performance.”

The ordered equipment includes Boomer 282 and Boomer S1D face drilling rigs, Boltec S and Boltec 235H rock reinforcement rigs, Simba S7 production drill rigs, Scooptram ST1030 and Scooptram ST7 loaders, and Minetruck MT2200 and Minetruck MT436B haulers.

Epiroc will also provide spare parts, drilling tools, technical service and training on site, as well as safety-enhancing digital solutions that include asset tracking.

The new order follows a smaller order from Dumas in the December quarter of 2023. Dumas then ordered Boomer 282 and Boltec 235 rigs for use at a new gold mine in Mexico.

Epiroc names Wayne Symes as President of Underground division

Epiroc has appointed Wayne Symes as President of the Underground division and member of Group Management, effective April 1, 2024.

Since 2020, Symes has held the Vice President Global Customer Relationships position at Epiroc. He has almost 15 years within the group in different positions.

Symes, an Australian citizen, has extensive experience leading companies and business lines within mining and with customers globally. He holds a Diploma of Business Management from School of Technical and Further Education in Tasmania, Australia, and a Diploma of International Management from Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden, and Duke University, United States. He will be based in Sweden.

Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, said: “Wayne is a highly appreciated member of the Epiroc team, who embraces our values including putting customers first and building for long-term sustainable results. With Wayne’s strong background, experience and positive attitude, I am convinced he will be successful in his new role.”

Symes succeeds Sami Niiranen, who, as previously announced, will leave for a position outside the group.

Eti Bakir to acquire Epiroc drills, trucks and loaders, as well as trial battery-electric Minetruck

Epiroc says it has won a large order from Eti Bakir for underground mining equipment that will be used at a new copper mine in Türkiye.

Eti Bakir, Türkiye’s largest mining company and a long-time customer of Epiroc, has ordered a fleet of face drilling rigs, production drilling rigs, mine trucks and loaders. The machines will primarily be used at a new copper mine currently under development near the city of Elazig. Some of the ordered units will be utilized at other existing Eti Bakir sites to strengthen operations there.

The order is valued at about SEK280 million ($27 million) and was booked in the December quarter of 2023.

“We are happy to get the opportunity to continue supporting Eti Bakir to operate its mines in the safest and most productive way possible,” Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, says.

The ordered machines include Boomer S2 face drilling rigs, Simba E70 S production drilling rigs (one pictured), Scooptram ST14 loaders, and Minetruck MT42 and Minetruck MT436B haulers. The drilling rigs will come equipped with Epiroc’s Advanced Boom Control solution, ABC Total, enabling the operator to drill a sequence of holes automatically and to control more than one boom simultaneously. All the ordered machines will feature Epiroc’s fleet management system, which allows for intelligent monitoring of machine performance and productivity in real-time.

Delivery is expected to begin in the first half of 2024. Also, as part of this capital equipment deal, Eti Bakir will get to test run one of Epiroc’s battery-electric Minetruck MT42 SG haulers at the Kastamonu Küre underground copper mine.

Gökhan Zengin, Eti Bakir Machinery Manager, said: “We have a long history of collaboration with Epiroc, and at our new copper mine in Elazig, we have chosen Epiroc products whose efficiency and performance we know and trust from our existing mines. We are also excited to experience the performance of the MT42 battery-driven mine truck, which we will be testing for the first time in Türkiye as part of our sustainable mining approach.”

In 2021, Epiroc announced that it had won a large order from Eti Bakir for equipment to support the expansion of three underground copper mines.

Epiroc to consolidate European manufacturing of hydraulic attachment tools

Epiroc says it is taking actions to promote efficiency within its Tools & Attachments segment, consolidating its European manufacturing of hydraulic attachment tools to improve competitiveness.

As a result of this move, the manufacturing facility in Essen, Germany, will be closed, Epiroc said.

Epiroc will consolidate the hydraulic attachment tools manufacturing in Europe to other existing production facilities in Kalmar and Fagersta, Sweden, and Dermbach, Germany. The consolidation will strengthen Epiroc’s competitiveness, it said.

Epiroc’s operation in Essen is planned to be closed by the end of 2025, with some 130 employees to be affected.

Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, said: “We regret that this consolidation will affect our colleagues in Essen. These actions, however, are necessary to safeguard that we remain competitive within hydraulic attachment tools. We will ensure that our customers get the best products and solutions possible also onwards.”

The restructuring cost is estimated at about SEK155 million ($14.3 million) and will be reported in the December quarter of 2023.

Epiroc also has manufacturing of hydraulic attachment tools in the US, India and South Korea.

In an additional activity to increase efficiency and promote sustainable profitability in its Tools & Attachment segment, Epiroc has decided to cease production at its relatively minor rotary pipes and accessories facility in Perth, Western Australia.

Epiroc’s aim is that all the facility’s employees will be offered new jobs in the company.

Epiroc registers robust mining demand in Q3

Epiroc continued to register high demand from the mining sector in the September quarter, as several large mining equipment orders were won over the three-month period, leading to a 17% year-on-year rise in orders received.

This total of SEK14.36 billion (US$1.29 billion) was supported by strong organic growth and acquisitions, Epiroc said, as well as its largest order ever received – a SEK700 million agreement to supply the Kamoa-Kakula copper operation in the DRC with Minetruck MT65 S haulers, Scooptram ST18 S loaders, Boomer 282 face drilling rigs and Simba E70 S production drilling rigs.

In a quarter that included no acquisitions, Epiroc saw its operating profit increase 12% to SEK3.26 billion, while its operating margin was up at 21.7%.

Helena Hedblom, President and CEO of the company, said the quarter saw particularly strong demand for its automation and connectivity solutions, which was reinforced by a recent agreement with Boliden, Algoryx and Örebro University to evaluate autonomous face drilling options, plus a separate strengthened cooperation with Newcrest Mining to take a holistic approach towards the entire mining process at several Newcrest mines.

Outside of these financial specifics, Hedblom said the company was also looking to consolidate several functions – transactional and human resources, among them – into new regional centres of excellence to better serve customers in certain markets as part of its wider operational excellence pursuit.

“These will be rolled out region by region,” she told IM.

One such change is happening in South Africa, with the company moving production of its low-profile machines from Örebro, Sweden, to South Africa. This move follows the acquisition of Aard Mining Equipment in April of this year, and recognition of a substantial portion of the low-profile market being in southern Africa, Hedblom acknowledged.

Aard, based in Chamdor near Johannesburg, designs, manufactures, services and supports a wide range of mining equipment, specialising in low-profile underground machines for mines with low mining heights. Its products include drill rigs, bolters, loaders, scalers, and more.

BEV retrofits on the up

A key differentiator in the Epiroc electrification portfolio that has been covered extensively by IM is the company’s battery-electric retrofit options.

Launched in the March quarter of 2021 – with the first retrofit kit offered for the ST1030 underground loader – the solution was viewed as a sustainable way to electrify machinery, with the conversion kits expected to be fitted during a midlife service rebuild.

Hedblom said interest for these retrofits continued to build from the mining community, with the company scaling up the number of retrofit kit models available, the expertise and resources to enact these changes, and the “standard operating procedures” required to offer this.

“It is still early days…but over the coming years we expect to have a mix of both new [battery-electric] equipment sales and retrofits coming through,” she said.

Epiroc Minetruck MT65 S haul trucks heading to Kathleen Valley lithium mine

Epiroc says it has won a large order for underground mining trucks in Australia from global mining contractor Byrnecut for use at the Kathleen Valley hard-rock lithium mine in Western Australia.

Byrnecut, one of the world’s largest underground mining contractors, has ordered a fleet of Minetruck MT65 S haulers as part of the order, valued at about SEK130 million ($11.9 million).

The equipment will be used at the in-development Kathleen Valley project, where lithium as well as tantalum will be produced. Production is currently targeted to begin in 2024.

Byrnecut was, earlier this year, awarded the underground mining services contract at Kathleen Valley by Liontown Resources.

Epiroc will also provide parts and service support, including service technicians on site.

Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, said: “We are excited to contribute to the success of the new Kathleen Valley mine, where the production of lithium, especially, will support the acceleration of the transformation to a low-carbon society.”

Sami Niiranen, President of Epiroc’s Underground division, added: “The newly updated Epiroc Minetruck MT65 S is a top-of-the-line machine designed with a focus on safety, productivity, energy efficiency and operator comfort. We look forward to continue working together with Byrnecut to make their mining operations successful.”

Epiroc and Byrnecut have a long-standing partnership, and the contractor already runs a fleet of Minetruck MT65 haulers at other mining site, the OEM says.

The ordered mining trucks have several advanced features, such as Epiroc’s telematics system Certiq, which allows for intelligent monitoring of machine performance and productivity in real-time. Delivery will begin soon and will continue in 2024 and 2025.

Epiroc receives third large equipment order from Kamoa Copper for Kamoa-Kakula

Epiroc says it is continuing its successful partnership with Kamoa Copper SA in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the OEM winning its largest-ever order to date tied to the expansion of the Kamoa-Kakula copper mining complex.

Kamoa Copper has ordered 65-t-payload Minetruck MT65 S haulers, as well as 18-t-payload Scooptram ST18 S loaders, Boomer 282 face drilling rigs and Simba E70 S production drilling rigs.

The machines will be used to expand operations at Kamoa-Kakula, which is projected to be among the world’s lowest greenhouse gas-emitting copper mines per unit of metal produced.

The order is valued at almost €60 million ($65 million) and was booked in the September quarter of 2023.

Kamoa-Kakula is set to become one of the world’s largest copper mines and will have one of the most favourable environmental footprints of all major copper mines, according to one of the major owners, Ivanhoe Mines.

“The customer’s focus on sustainability and productivity, coupled with the large size of the mine, makes it especially exciting to contribute to its success,” Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, says.

Sami Niiranen, President of Epiroc’s Underground division, added: “We are proud and happy to be able to continue contributing to Kamoa Copper’s success as it expands its operations.”

Epiroc has had a local presence in the DRC since 2001, and currently has about 120 employees in the country, mostly Congolese nationals.

The new order is the third large order that Epiroc has received from Kamoa Copper for Kamoa-Kakula. In 2022, Kamoa Copper ordered SEK160 million ($14 million) worth of equipment, and in the June quarter of 2022, it ordered equipment valued at about SEK125 million. Epiroc will also provide service of the machines, as well as on-site technical support and operator training.

Jan Johannes Hough, Executive Engineering at Kamoa Copper SA, said: “Kamoa Copper SA chose Epiroc to be one of our strategic partners for the supply of trackless mobile mining equipment due to its proven and matured industry track record. The equipment selected proved to be reliable and feasible in various applications in the mining industry. It will play a critical role in achieving production targets in line with the expansion program of Kamoa Copper SA and the resulting guidance given to the market.”

The ordered machines have several advanced features, such as Epiroc’s telematics system, which allows for intelligent monitoring of machine performance and productivity in real-time. Delivery will begin in 2024.

Epiroc to acquire key assets of RC drilling products manufacturer Schramm

Epiroc says it has agreed to purchase the key assets of Schramm Australia, a leading manufacturer of products for reverse circulation (RC) drilling.

Since February 2023, Schramm Australia, based in Perth, has been in voluntary administration, and Epiroc will now continue the business. The assets include intellectual property as well as two production facilities near Perth and two service centres in Queensland and South Australia. Schramm Australia’s employees will be offered employment at Epiroc.

“The Schramm products and brand are well known as a global leader in RC technology,” Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, said. “We look forward to welcoming the strong team at Schramm Australia to the Epiroc Group.”

The asset purchase is expected to be completed in the June quarter of 2023.

Epiroc to strengthen rock drill quality with new Örebro heat treatment plant

Epiroc is today inaugurating a new heat treatment plant for rock drills in Örebro, Sweden, which, it says, will benefit customers by further strengthening rock drill quality and performance, lowering their total cost of ownership.

Heat treatment is an essential part of rock drill manufacturing. The new heat treatment plant is built through an expansion of the current workshop building. It will also enable higher production volumes.

Production at the 1,400 sq.m heat treatment plant will be able to run 24 hours a day thanks to automation. Energy efficiency is a key focus for the design – for example, residual heat will be recycled internally to heat buildings as well as externally to Örebro’s local heating system. The building also has solar panels.

Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, said: “This new heat treatment plant is a key step towards ensuring that our world-class manufacturing site in Örebro will remain as productive and competitive as possible for the long term, and it was designed to optimise energy efficiency.”

Örebro is one of Epiroc’s global manufacturing hubs. The company employs about 2,900 people in the city, out of a global workforce of around 17,000.

Epiroc LHDs, trucks and drills set for Kipushi underground project in DRC

Epiroc says it has won a large order from JCHX Mining and Construction Ltd for equipment to be used at the Kipushi underground project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Kipushi is an underground mine that is reopening under the leadership of Kipushi Corporation, a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines of Canada and Gécamines, a DRC state-owned mining company.

JCHX, a mining contractor, has ordered several Epiroc loaders, mine trucks and drill rigs, including service support, for use at the zinc, copper, germanium and silver mine in the Haut-Katanga, province in southern DRC. After decades of production, the mine closed for care and maintenance in 1994. Construction started last year to re-open the mine, with late 2024 as target to start production. The mine will be powered by clean, renewable hydro-generated electricity, according to the owners.

The equipment order is valued at about $17 milion and was booked in the March quarter of 2023.

“We look forward to supporting JCHX in making operations at the Kipushi mine as safe and productive as possible,” Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, says.

Sami Niiranen, President of Epiroc’s Underground division, said: “JCHX has been a customer of Epiroc for many years, both in Africa and Europe, and we are pleased to continue delivering innovative solutions that will help to optimise operations at Kipushi.”

JCHX International Division President, Youcheng Wang, added: “From the group headquarters to the front-line team, Epiroc sets the highest priority on this equipment order, also when it comes to on-site technical support.”

The ordered equipment, manufactured in Sweden, includes Scooptram ST14 loaders, Minetruck MT42 haul trucks, and Simba production drill rigs. The Scooptram and Minetruck machines will be equipped with Epiroc’s telematics system Certiq, which allows for intelligent monitoring of machine performance and productivity in real time, and with Epiroc’s Rig Control System, RCS, which makes them ready for automation and remote control.

Delivery begins shortly and will continue into early 2024.