Epiroc, a leading productivity and sustainability partner for the mining and infrastructure industry, has won a large order * from Glencore in Canada for battery electrical equipment and automation solutions that will be used in what will be one of the world’s first all – electric mines.
Glencore’s company Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations has ordered a whole fleet of battery electrical equipment for use at the Onaping Depth mine in Ontario, Canada. The nickel and copper mine is located under the existing Craig mine and is under development to start production in 2024. The order also includes advanced automation solutions including remote control.
“Glencore is taking a big step forward in the mining industry with its all-electric new Onaping Depth mine,” says Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO. “We are pleased to partner with Glencore to deliver battery-powered vehicles and automation features on their journey to build the mine of the future.”
Mining machines are traditionally diesel-powered, but more and more mining companies are adding battery-electric machines to their fleets. The benefits of battery electrification are great, including eliminating operational emissions, reducing noise, and reducing costs by reducing the need for ventilation and cooling when needed; this is especially important as underground mines become deeper and deeper.
“Epiroc received high marks for safety, design and testing of the entire battery system,” said Peter Xavier, Head of Glencore’s Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations. “Epiroc also offers high capacity batteries, uses a standard CCS charging protocol, has a battery replacement system, and is universal and compatible. In addition, the batteries have integrated cooling systems and safety systems built into the design. “
The ordered battery electrical equipment is manufactured in Örebro. The 23 machines ordered include Scooptram loaders, Minetruck mining trucks, Boomer local rigs, Boltec and Cabletec rock reinforcement rigs, and Simba production drilling rigs. The Simba rigs will be partly remotely controlled from a comfortable control room. All units will be equipped with Epiroc’s Rig Control System, which prepares them for automation and remote control, and will also be installed with Epiroc’s telematics system, enabling intelligent monitoring of machine performance and real-time productivity.
* Epiroc defines a “large order” as at least SEK 100 million in value.