Epiroc awards recognize automation and battery electrification

Photo: Epiroc

Epiroc’s two annual awards recognize close collaboration with a mining company that strengthened the customer’s productivity through automation as well as the development of battery electric equipment that brings multiple benefits to the mining industry.

The United in Performance Award honors exceptional customer collaboration. This award is presented to Olav Kvist and Per Holmberg of Epiroc’s Underground division and Johan Broström of the Technology & Digital division, as well as to mining company Boliden. Their extensive collaboration on automation has increased productivity significantly at two of Boliden’s mines in Sweden. For example, at the Garpenberg mine, the automated and tele-remote operation of Epiroc’s Simba ME7 C production drill rig has boosted drilling productivity by roughly 30%. The work is part of 6th Sense, Epiroc’s package of digital solutions that optimizes customers’ processes, thereby strengthening their productivity and safety. 

The Inspired by Innovation Award honors Epiroc’s most innovative technical development that has had a proven commercial success. It is presented to Anders Lindkvist, Patrik Roth, Markus Rantakeisu, Robert Lejonberg, Jan Fransson, Erik Svedlund and Fredrik Martinsson who have been instrumental and represent a team of passionate people in developing Epiroc’s world-leading battery-electric mining equipment. The new generation battery-electric mining machines that are the result of the team’s hard work and dedication is bringing significant benefits to customers including improved health and safety, lower total cost of operation and higher productivity. The advantages are especially significant for underground operations where mining companies traditionally must invest heavily in ventilation to air out the diesel fumes.

“Congratulations to the winning teams, which are perfect representatives of Epiroc’s innovative spirit and dedication to improving customers’ operations,” says Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO. “We are proud to be on the forefront of automation, digitalization and electrification as these technological shifts are making mining and infrastructure companies more productive, safe and environmentally friendly.” 

An Epiroc Simba production drill rig