Epiroc secures largest ever contract for autonomous and electric mining equipment
Epiroc has won its largest contract to date, valued at AUD 350 million (SEK 2.2 billion), for autonomous and electric surface mining equipment. The deal is with Australian company Fortescue.
Epiroc AB, a provider of productivity and sustainability solutions for the mining and construction industries, has secured its largest single contract in company history. The agreement involves the delivery of a substantial fleet of fully autonomous and electric surface mining equipment to Fortescue, an Australian technology, energy, and metals group.
The contract, valued at AUD 350 million (approximately SEK 2.2 billion) over five years, will see Epiroc supply blasthole drill rigs, including the cable-electric Pit Viper 271 E and the battery-electric SmartROC D65 BE. These machines will be deployed at Fortescue's iron ore mines in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The fleet is expected to eliminate approximately 35 million liters of diesel consumption annually.
Fortescue, a major iron ore producer, is focused on decarbonizing its operations. The driverless machines will be remotely operated from Fortescue’s Integrated Operations Centre in Perth, over 1,500 kilometers away. This deal represents a significant advancement for Epiroc's electric-powered surface equipment.
The order highlights Epiroc's role in supplying advanced technology to the mining sector, supporting customers in their transition towards more sustainable and efficient extraction methods through automation and electrification.