IN CONVERSATION
What about electrification?
Epiroc has invested heavily in
electrification over the past three years.
We launched the first-generation electric
machines in 2016, and they have now
clocked more than 100 000 hours. About a
year ago, we launched the new generation
electric machines based on new, green
battery technology.
Epiroc signed a partnership with
Swedish battery supplier Northvolt in
2018. Northvolt is building a giga factory in
Sweden. This is an exciting collaboration.
We first launched a small seven-ton loader
and a year ago we launched the mid-sized
electric carrier for drilling as well as a 14-
ton loader and a 42-ton truck. There has
been a very positive response from the
market. This is all part of our journey, and it
requires a technology ‘step change’.
There are many benefits of using
electric equipment underground. For one,
it results in a substantial reduction of noise
levels, temperature and dust, and with
the increase in depth in certain mines,
cost savings in terms of ventilation. We
see ourselves as being at the forefront
of developing a full electric underground
fleet within five years, and we are fully
committed to that goal.
I assume this ‘step change’ will require
reskilling a lot of people, not only Epiroc
staff, but also operators in the mining
industry?
Yes, that’s right. Epiroc has a structured
approach to upskilling. At mines where
our equipment is used, there are defined
training programmes in place. Our
programmes include simulators on site,
so operators can learn how to handle the
equipment in a big room. Epiroc has built
a big automation centre in Johannesburg,
South Africa, and in addition we have
established five automation centres in
other parts of the world.
At these centres we have network
specialists, data scientists, and automation
system integrators. Thus, totally different
skill sets compared to the traditional
mechanics and historical competencies.
We have teams from the USA and Sweden
travelling all over the globe to give local
support. I see this as a model that we will
continue to build on in the future.
Are these new technologies
available in Africa?
Yes, of course. Historically we’ve seen
countries like Canada and Australia being
the first adopters of new technologies.
However, automation, electrification and
digitisation happened at the same time all
over the world, including Africa. Some of
Epiroc’s most advanced automation projects
are happening in Africa, while several mines
have ordered electric machines. In addition,
we have installed a large number of digital
platforms across Africa.
There is a trend that certain mines
want their needs to be customised, for
example a platinum mine in Rustenburg
in South Africa would have different
requirements to a gold mine in Mali.
Does Epiroc design a specific machine for
a specific mine on demand?
Epiroc has always done this. However,
the sooner we become involved in the
planning stage of the mine the better.
We see the company as an interacting
partner to achieve our goal of increasing
productivity through technology, whether
it is a narrow platinum mine in South
Africa or a large development in Mali.
Apart from custom building machines
we can also rebuild and refurbish an
existing machine when it reaches 70% of
its service life.
I see Epiroc becoming a productivity
partner rather than just selling the machine
like we did before. Epiroc has a large
footprint with a lot of experience across
the globe in different conditions and in
different mines, so we can help the mine
to get the most out of their equipment and
to use their equipment more effectively.
Does Africa, and especially South
Africa, still play an important role in the
company’s future?
Africa is an extremely important continent
for us. Epiroc is involved in many current
projects in Africa, and there are a lot more
in the pipeline. We have a presence in
most of the African countries, but our
biggest presence is in South Africa from
where we support the rest of the region.
In the last two years Epiroc has
acquired two South African companies:
Renegade Drilling Supplies manufactures
and distributes drilling consumables
for mining exploration and New
Concept Mining manufacturers rock
reinforcement products for underground
mining. These were two very strategic
acquisitions.
Epiroc has been operating in South
Africa for a long time, and the company
knows how to be successful in South
Africa. We are here to stay. Although
there are challenges in many African
countries, we remain committed to Africa.
I have personally been involved in Africa
for more than seven years and we have
exceptionally strong teams in Africa.
Epiroc has been
operating in
South Africa for
a long time, and
the company
knows how to be
successful in South
Africa. We are here
to stay.”
The automation of functions like underground drilling will make mining safer and
more productive.
24
APRIL 2020
www.equipmentandhire.co.za