ABB, Epiroc extends partnership to underground trolley system solutions

ABB and Epiroc announced on Tuesday they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of underground trolley system solutions for mine haulage fleet decarbonization.The MoU builds on past technology deployment successes at mines operated by Sweden’s Boliden. Recent milestones of ABB and Epiroc’s collaboration include the world’s first battery-electric trolley truck system at the Kristineberg underground mine.Under the terms laid out in the MoU, the parties will carry out a comprehensive feasibility assessment of their collective offerings, with the aim of meeting the requirements of industrial applications in mining, considering productivity, sustainability, and high-power, automated and safe operations.Any resulting solution would be ruggedized for harsh underground mine environmental conditions and built to approved standards, the companies stated in the press release.According to ABB’s Mining’s Moment report, 76% of global mining companies believe vehicle electrification will bring significant benefits both in terms of sustainability and efficiency. Additionally, 42% plan to invest in haulage fleet decarbonization by 2026. In light of this, ABB and Epiroc believe it is time for action.As mining customers increasingly seek solutions to support this crucial electrification of their vehicle fleets and move to fully decarbonize their operations under environmental, societal and economic pressures, the companies believe “they have complementary, specialized expertise in trolley solutions for underground systems to provide integrated offerings using today’s existing technologies.”“Collaboration within the mining industry is crucial to accelerate the transformation of our mining customers’ decarbonization journey,” said Wayne Symes, president with Epiroc’s underground division.“We are excited to deepen our partnership with ABB by developing a strategic roadmap for sustainable, innovative mining, beginning with the decarbonization of mining truck fleets, expanding on the trolley system to meet the wider needs of the industry with the target set to increase both safety and productivity,” Symes added.“The decarbonization of mine haulage fleets is becoming increasingly pressing as we look towards 2030 sustainability goals,” said Max Luedtke, global business line manager for mining, ABB Process Industries.“We know from our recent Mining’s Moment report that 71% of mining companies agreed that successful partnerships are key to gaining momentum in the energy transition,” he continued. “Technology players demonstrating a strong commitment to open standards and asset interoperability facilitate these efforts, so we look forward to discovering what else we can achieve with Epiroc and the wider industry.”Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Mining.com Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Mining.com