Epiroc, ABB work with Boliden for electric mine

Epiroc, Boliden and ABB will develop and demonstrate an electric trolley truck system on a test track in the Kristineberg mine in northern Sweden. Epiroc said the electric trolley truck system is a vital component in enabling heavy transportation with electric driven battery vehicles. The project project is expected to lower CO2 emissions, improve work environment and contribute for the mining company.

“We are very proud to enter this collaboration and are excited to jointly take the next steps on Boliden’s journey towards a fossil free, automated underground mine. Our electrification solutions are well proven globally and contribute to substantial reduction of CO2 emissions, leading to a smaller environmental footprint,” said Lars Bergkvist, Global Key Customer Manager with Epiroc’s Underground division.

The electric trolley assist concept is suitable for long haul ramps and builds on Epiroc’s proven Minetruck MT42 Battery. The zero-emissions mine truck will be joined by a trolley pantograph, which in turn is connected to an overhead contact power line. ABB’s contribution includes design of electric trolley truck systems, definition of standards and vehicle interface, as well as rectifier substation for the test track. The electrical infrastructure is part of the ABB Ability eMine portfolio of integrated portfolio of electrification and digital systems designed to accelerate the decarbonization of the mining sector.

“As part of the eMine framework and commitment, we build partnership and combine expertise to successfully integrate electrification in mines. We contribute with solutions that further reduce overall costs and improves mine performance while significantly lowering environmental impact,” said Björn Jonsson, Hub Manager, Process Industries at ABB.

The project is supported by funding from the Swedish innovation agency Vinnova.

Boliden targets full scale electric trolley system implementation in the Rävliden mine, a satellite orebody and extension of the Kristineberg mine.

The Minetruck MT42 Battery is part of Epiroc’s new generation zero-emission offering. Since earlier this year, Boliden has also been testing Epiroc’s Scooptram ST14 Battery loader and the automated Minetruck MT42. Epiroc will offer its complete fleet of underground mining equipment as battery-electric versions by 2025.