News

Apr 18, 2024

Shaping mining’s net

Epiroc strives to drive productivity and sustainability transformation in the industries it serves, and the global mining sector is enjoying the benefits as it realises its net-zero future. When

Epiroc strives to drive productivity and sustainability transformation in the industries it serves, and the global mining sector is enjoying the benefits as it realises its net-zero future.

When Epiroc was created in 2018, previous owner Atlas Copco carefully picked the company’s name, with ‘Epi’ meaning “on” or “at” in Latin and Greek and ‘Roc’ signalling stability and durability.

Four years on, Epiroc has leveraged its strong foundations to become one of the most trusted and respected original equipment manufacturers (OEM) in the global mining industry.

Consistency and reliability have been key propellants of Epiroc’s rising profile, while the company’s penchant for growth has accelerated that even more.

One of Epiroc’s key missions is to drive productivity and sustainability transformation in the industries it serves.

“Together with customers and business partners, we develop safe and sustainable products and solutions that increase productivity and lower costs,” an Epiroc mission statement reads.

“Automation, electrification and digitalisation are in focus in our innovation work.”

Epiroc’s constant pursuit of innovation is underpinned not only by its strong and committed in-house team, but also by its desire to expand.

In June, Epiroc bolstered its Australian electrification ambitions by acquiring JTMEC, a Perth-based electrification solutions provider for underground and surface mines.

Established in 2005 and home to 190 employees, JTMEC’s offerings include high-voltage installation and maintenance work, transformer servicing and testing, engineering design, feasibility studies, and training.

The company also manufactures electrical products, including substations and mine chargers, and is currently providing services for Australian mining operations such as Olympic Dam, Dargues gold mine, DeGrussa copper mine and Northparkes.

Also, in mid-September, Epiroc announced it had agreed to acquire a 53 per cent stake in Radlink, a Perth-based provider of wireless communication solutions to mines.

The acquisition of the majority ownership is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter 2022.

“Radlink’s powerful network connectivity solutions will support Epiroc as we continue to provide mining companies with automation and digital solutions that make operations safer and more efficient,” Epiroc president and chief executive officer Helena Hedblom said.

Other recent acquisitions supporting Epiroc’s electrification focus include the addition of Canadian companies, FVT Research and Meglab.

FVT Research designs diesel-to-battery conversion kits and rebuilds mining machines to electric versions.

FVT recently participated in a successful project to convert the diesel-powered Epiroc Scooptram ST1030 loader to battery electric.

“Bringing the strong team at FVT Research into the Epiroc group fits perfectly into our strategy to provide emissions-free battery-electric vehicles,” Hedblom said.

“Our customers are increasingly discovering the significant benefits that come with using battery-electric vehicles, and FVT Research’s technical expertise and competence will be key assets for Epiroc as we continue to provide more solutions in this area.”

Meglab is a technology integrator able to design, manufacture and install cost-effective electrification and infrastructure solutions, including battery-charging infrastructure.

As of September, Epiroc had completed seven acquisitions in the preceding two years, reinforcing the company’s expansionary goals.

Running in parallel with Epiroc’s continued expansion, the OEM recently announced an organisational change to further support its automation and digitalisation objectives.

This involved Jonas Albertson, the then-president of Epiroc’s Technology and Digital division, being appointed as chief technology officer, where he will have responsibility for the development of common automation, digital platforms and group IT.

Epiroc has also created a reformed Digital Solutions division, which will have commercial responsibility for the company’s digital products and services, including acquired businesses.

“Automation and digitalisation are technology shifts that are happening quickly. With this organisational change we are enhancing our focus in these vital areas,” Hedblom said.

“We will have a dedicated commercial division for our digital business and a technology organisation that can deliver long-term competitive solutions for the whole group.”

As the global mining industry hurtles towards a decarbonised future, miners are going to need more tools to drive down their Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

If Epiroc doesn’t have these tools already, the sector can be rest assured the OEM has them on its to-do list.

This feature appeared in the October issue of Australian Resources & Investment.