Most of the world’s leading mining groups, equipment OEMs and electrification technology innovators are heading to Santiago for The Electric Mine 2025 conference being held in Centro Parque, Las Condes. Ahead of the event, IM caught up with some of the executive team and product managers at Epiroc, a Gold Sponsor, to discuss the region and its potential for low and zero emissions equipment demand; along with Epiroc’s distinct green mining fleet value proposition.
Q Epiroc has a well-established presence in Chile, Argentina and Peru – can you give some details of the footprint you have there in mining in terms of workforce, facilities and service centres?
Epiroc has a robust presence in Chile and Argentina, with four service centres strategically located near our main customers in Antofagasta, Copiapó, Santiago and San Juan. Our main office is in Santiago, and we have a workforce in the region of nearly 600 employees. In Peru and the Andean region, including Bolivia and Ecuador, Epiroc maintains a strong presence with a workforce of over 300 employees. In Peru, we are deeply involved in mining automation, operating several autonomous drill rigs and providing remote operation technology. Our focus on automation is transforming mining operations by improving productivity, safety, and environmental impact. Additionally, we are committed to expanding opportunities for female workers in mining, exemplified by Peru’s first all-female drilling team using Epiroc equipment.
Q How do you see the appetite for greener mining technology in the region in your discussions with customers and what progress has already been made in terms of any commitments to low emissions machines or fleets, or to trials and pilots?
We are set to begin testing a 10 t underground battery loader for development work with contractor Zublin at Codelco’s El Teniente copper mine. This will build on experience gained during 2023 and 2024, when we conducted trials of a 14 t class battery electric Scooptram ST14 SG directly in the production area at Codelco El Teniente. The results were successful, demonstrating that the technology is ready for operation in world class mines like this. For blasthole drilling applications in Peru and Chile, the focus on low emissions has been very positive, with several mines now drilling with electric Pit Viper rigs. We are now introducing our new solution for presplitting with the SmartROC D65 BE (Battery-Electric). We also see a potential in the region for battery conversions in underground mining, in very specific applications.
Q Are there any aspects of mining in Chile and Peru that makes it particularly suitable for battery and hybrid technology in terms of the size of the mines, and the class of machines being used?
In Peru, the case for underground battery equipment is clear, as most mines are located at very high altitudes or deep levels, making ventilation requirements more critical. By reducing the diesel equipment footprint, we can improve overall energy efficiency. With the broad range of underground battery-electric vehicles, and the recent introduction of our smallest loader, the Scooptram ST10 G, we see a strong interest from Peruvian mines. Going to our largest capacity mining truck, and the fantastic response we received back at MINExpo 2024 for the diesel-electric Minetruck MT66 S eDrive, there is interest from all parts of the world, including South America.
Autonomous Epiroc Pit Viper at Anglo American Quellaveco copper mine in Peru
Q Epiroc has a unique capability to supply OEM agnostic solutions, especially when it comes to autonomy and digitalisation through numerous companies you have acquired – will this also bring advantages in the electrification space such as when it comes to marrying autonomy with electrification?
Epiroc’s OEM-agnostic approach is a unique capability, strengthened by acquisitions like RCT and ASI Mining, which gives mining customers the freedom to deploy automation and digital solutions across any equipment brand. This unmatched flexibility enables customers to modernise existing fleets, integrate new technologies seamlessly, and avoid vendor lock-in. By improving safety, boosting productivity, enhancing interoperability, and scaling with ease, customers are empowered to drive sustainable, profitable growth, adapting to today’s needs while building for the future. As the industry accelerates toward electrification, this open platform becomes even more valuable. It allows customers to combine electric machines with autonomous systems, optimising charging, reducing emissions, and fast-tracking the transition to cleaner, high-performing operations. Epiroc’s agnostic approach is also reflected within the electrification portfolio where open standards opens up endless possibilities for its customers who for example can charge all of their BEVs using the same infrastructure – no matter the brand. By working with open standards, customers can benefit from having an ensured future-proof infrastructure that is also OEM-agnostic. The transition to electrification goes beyond providing ground-breaking solutions and replacing diesel machines with battery-electric alternatives. Epiroc is working with its customer to implement integrated solutions to ease the transition to electrification and enable more sustainable mining. With stable and reliable infrastructure solutions, we can facilitate the use of battery-powered equipment, optimise the production pace, and reduce operational costs. Through the acquisitions of Meglab and JTMEC, Epiroc has also established a network of regional electrification centres, providing the knowledge needed for accelerating the transformation within electrification. By taking an ecosystem approach that goes beyond BEVs, our portfolio of products and services connects the whole system, and spans from energy storage solutions, chargers, second-life services such as cable repairs, electrical audits and engineering consultations. Our integrated systems assist customers to monitor, control and optimise their energy consumption, supporting the optimisation of each electrification project.
Q There are also a lot of emissions ‘wins’ to be had from upgrading equipment to the latest versions with the most efficient telematics and engines etc – do you see this playing just as important a role in this region in bringing down fleet emissions in the coming years?
We know that our customers share our ambition to reduce emissions, but we are also aware of that every mine is different and need different solutions to succeed. We aim to provide the best machine, regardless of energy source and therefore offer a wide range of solutions: cable-electric equipment, high-performing BEVs (with NMC batteries) with universal/standard charging and thermal management system, trolley-electric equipment, diesel-electric equipment (hybrid) and engines for HVO biofuel. We were pleased that our electrification customers are increasing, and the total utilisation of the fleet of BEV in operations have more than doubled during 2024. In total, 39 mining sites globally have ordered BEVs since 2018, and of the sites with BEVs in operation, 28% have ordered additional BEVs. As our equipment is often performance-critical and used in harsh environments, the demand for consumables and spare parts is high. By providing reliable aftermarket support, tools and attachments, we can ensure that our customers can maximise the lifespan and efficiency of their equipment. One area with particularly strong growth during last year, was circular services, such as midlife rebuilds, upgrades and remanufacturing solutions for components – which is not just a cost effective but sustainable option for our customers. Our customers’ sustainability ambitions are constantly increasing. Improved safety, reduced emissions, lower noise levels, reduced water consumption, human rights and business ethics are more and more important for both our customers and Epiroc. Other strong trends are deconstruction and recycling (urban mining) as well as other circular solutions. Through innovation – particularly within automation, digitalisation and electrification – we are achieving measurable safety and environmental gains. We have a wide range of solutions that help our customers improve their safety performance. In the shift to a new, low-carbon economy where electrification and circularity play key roles, our products and services will be even more critical for our customers success. Epiroc’s ambitious 2030 sustainability goals go hand in hand with our customers and contribute to their decarbonisation journey.
Q Last but not least Epiroc is a leading supplier of blasthole drills in Chile and Peru – to what extent have miners there adopted electric tethered drill technology and do you see a big demand increase there?
Peru has been traditionally an electric blasthole drill market and it continues well in terms of market adoption capacity. Now, the discussion is on how to best adopt automation with electric drills and there is where Epiroc is working closely with its customers. Chilean miners see the application of electric drilling with interest, but their first focus is in the application of material handling machines where they have the higher emissions challenge in large underground mines.
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