Epiroc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Byrnecut, one of the world’s largest underground mining contractors, to partner on the development of the next generation of electric drive underground loaders.
The companies will work together in partnership to develop and test a proof of concept for the large underground loader segment with the aim of having a diesel-electric prototype at a Byrnecut site in Australia.
“We are proud to deepen our partnership with Byrnecut with the development of a future proof, low emission automated loader in the large segment,” said Sami Niiranen, president of Epiroc’s Underground division. “This will support Byrnecut to accelerate the transformation towards reduced emissions as well as overall TCO, without any compromise on safety and productivity.”
With its unparalleled productivity and operator safety focus, Epiroc’s Scooptram loader boasts an impressive range of new features including an optimized electric drivetrain for maximum efficiency, more optimized hydraulics, and a modular design to accommodate different energy sources. Being part of Epiroc’s Smart series, the Scooptram loader will be equipped with Epiroc’s Rig Control System (RCS) making it ready for automation.
Byrnecut’s Executive Chairman Steve Coughlan highlighted the alignment of their own targets of reducing carbon emissions while maximizing their future potential through innovative technical solutions.
The Byrnecut project team together with Epiroc’s R&D team in the Underground division, headquartered in Orebro, Sweden, are now intensifying the work to review development and plan the trial phases.