Epiroc continues to march toward a greener mining industry with the announcement that its autonomous drill rigs have successfully drilled holes totalling over 41 million metres.
The feat was achieved by the company’s Pit Viper surface drill rigs, which have reduced CO2 emissions by over 100,000 tonnes.
“An equivalent, in effect, would be to plant a new forest the size of the Swedish capital,” Epiroc said in a statement.
The CO2 reduction is achieved through the increased efficiency of autonomous drilling, with less need to travel to the rigs.
Other benefits of the autonomous drill rigs include a safer and more comfortable operator environment and higher productivity.
“Our autonomous drilling solutions are one example of how we are accelerating the transformation toward a more sustainable future,” Epiroc president and chief executive officer Helena Hedblom said.
“We have a rigorous innovation agenda, also within digitalisation and electrification, to find new ways to reduce the environmental impact, while increasing safety and productivity.”
Epiroc is currently working toward offering its complete fleet of underground mining equipment in emission-free versions by 2025, and its surface equipment fleet by 2030.
A partnership with steelmaker SSAB has also seen a production in mining equipment using fossil-free steel.
Epiroc received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative for its 2030 targets.
“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our world today, and we believe it is our responsibility as a global industry leader to accelerate the transformation towards a more sustainable future,” Hedblom said.
“We are looking forward to continue supporting our customers, and society, on this journey.”