Epiroc announced that it has become the first in the mining industry to sign a delivery agreement with Swedish steelmaker SSAB for SSAB Zero – fossil carbon emission-free recycled steel produced using sustainable energy sources. The steel will be used in Epiroc’s battery-electric range of underground mine trucks and loaders, set to be introduced as soon as the third quarter of 2023.
“We are very excited to utilize SSAB’s pioneering low-carbon solutions. This is one of many ways that we are accelerating the transformation of the mining industry – while also helping our customers to reach their sustainability goals” said Sami Niiranen, president of Epiroc’s Underground division.
SSAB Zero will be used in the production of Epiroc’s Smart and Green series of battery-electric mine trucks and loaders, enabling zero-emission underground operations. The partnership with SSAB is part of Epiroc’s long-term commitment to produce the world’s greenest machines and to halve CO2e emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2019, as well as SSAB´s aim to help create fossil-free value chains.
“SSAB Zero broadens our Zero emission portfolio and strengthens the business offering, allowing us to bring zero-emission steel to our customers already this year,” said Thomas Hörnfeldt, head of sustainable business at SSAB. “There is a large demand for this kind of steel it is satisfying to have such an offer in place.”
Epiroc has now signed a delivery agreement for both of SSAB’s zero-emission steel types: SSAB Zero, based on recycled steel, and SSAB Fossil-free, based on iron-ore without fossil fuels. At the end of 2022, Epiroc showcased the world’s first underground mine truck made using fossil-free steel from SSAB, which is set to be available on a commercial scale during 2026.
SSAB Zero has zero fossil carbon emission (less than 0.05 kg CO2e emissions per kg steel in scope 1 and 2) in operations, including purchased energy and transportation. The quality and properties of SSAB Zero will be equal to the steel currently used in Epiroc’s products, the company stated.