ABB and Epiroc have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance collaboration on underground trolley solutions for the mining industry.
The partnership aims to provide extensive and integrated solutions that improve productivity and safety, while achieving decarbonization goals.
The MoU follows previous successes in technology deployment in Swedish mines.
Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will establish collaborative teams to conduct an in-depth assessment of the feasibility of their combined offerings.
This assessment aims to meet the rigorous needs of industrial applications in the mining sector, focusing on productivity, sustainability and the implementation of high-power, automated and safe operations.
All resulting solutions will be robustly designed to withstand the harsh environmental conditions commonly found in underground mines and constructed to approved standards.
Wayne Symes, President of Epiroc’s Underground Division, said: “Collaboration across the mining industry is crucial to accelerating the transformation of our mining customers’ decarbonization journey.
“We are excited to deepen our partnership with ABB by developing a strategic roadmap for sustainable and innovative mining, starting with the decarbonization of mining truck fleets, expanding the trolley system to meet the broader needs of industry with the set objective of increasing both safety and productivity.
Mining companies face increasing environmental, societal and economic pressures as they increasingly seek solutions to support the electrification of their vehicle fleets and completely decarbonize their operations.
Both companies believe they have complementary and specialized expertise in trolley solutions for underground systems.
Recent achievements by ABB and Epiroc include the development of the first battery-electric trolley system for underground mines, created in partnership with Swedish mining company Boliden.
Max Luedtke, Global Head of ABB Process Industries’ Mining Business Line, said: “The decarbonization of mining transport fleets is becoming increasingly urgent as we look to the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. We must encourage collaboration across the sector to accelerate the change needed, and Epiroc aligns with this approach.
“We know from our recent Mining’s Moment report that 71% of mining companies agree that successful partnerships are essential to accelerating the energy transition. Technology players demonstrating a strong commitment to open standards and asset interoperability are facilitating these efforts. So we’re excited to see what else we can achieve with Epiroc and the industry as a whole.
