Based on Epiroc’s well-proven SmartROC T35 surface drill rig and drawing on the company’s experience in developing underground battery rigs, the SmartROC T35 E comes with a range of smart features, and is said to deliver high safety, reliability, and performance – in a quieter working environment.
"The fact that we are removing emissions from the drilling process is an important step towards a better environment,” says Hakan Aytekin, vice president marketing, Epiroc Surface division.
“This accomplishment shows that Epiroc has an important role to play in making our industry more sustainable.”
The SmartROC T35 E rig is equipped with both a battery and an electric cable, which improves flexibility considerably. Personnel can choose to drill with the most suitable alternative for the location. It also allows for quick and smooth transportation within and between sites.
The surface drill rig is fitted with the same type of well-proven batteries and sub-components as in the Epiroc underground battery solutions. This streamlines spare parts handling and service for customers with several different operations.
"SmartROC T35 E is a result of a successful collaboration between Epiroc and our customers,” says Ulf Gyllander, global product manager, Epiroc Surface division. “They have provided us with valuable input, making sure we will deliver a rig with optimised performance and flexibility.”
Epiroc’s battery-electric solutions are said by the company to be attracting strong interest from the market. The machines play a vital role in the firm’s ambitious sustainability goals for 2030, which include halving the CO₂ emissions in operations and from sold products.
In 2021, the goals were validated by the Science Backed Targets initiative as being in line with keeping global warming at a maximum 1.5°C, consistent with the goal of the Paris Climate Agreement.