In Kiruna, Sweden, tests are ongoing to set a new world standard for sustainable mining. In the process to achieve this, LKAB has ordered industry-leading battery-electric vehicles from Epiroc to be tested for future carbon dioxide-free operations.   

The newly ordered equipment, Scooptram ST14 Battery and Minetruck MT42 Battery machines, will be used both in LKAB’s main mine for production and in the Konsuln test mine, a testbed that is created in LKAB´s underground mines.   

The order comes as a result of the SUM (Sustainable Underground Mining) collaborative project where participating companies (LKAB, Epiroc, Combitech, ABB and Sandvik) have formed an alliance to achieve the goal of setting a new world standard for sustainable mining at great depths. The partners are working together to find new methods and smarter solutions for mining operations of the future.   

In addition, LKAB has ordered Epiroc’s BaaS (Batteries as a Service) solution for the ordered battery machines. With Batteries as a Service, Epiroc works directly with the customer to define a battery plan that suits the needs of their operation. The lifespan is guaranteed and the battery status is carefully monitored to ensure predictive maintenance with reduced downtime. If a customer wants to increase or decrease their capacity, they can adjust their plan and the service will be tailored to meet their requirements. The order will be delivered during 2021.   

Epiroc offers the widest fleet of underground battery-electric vehicles and has a circular, sustainable offering that also includes recycling. Epiroc aims to offer its complete range of underground mining equipment as battery electric versions by 2025.  For further information please click here and also visit https://www.epiroc.com/it-it.03/21.