Epiroc will showcase its SmartROC D65 battery-electric drill rig at the MINExpo exhibition in Las Vegas this month, hailing a milestone for zero-emission drilling in surface mines.

The SmartROC D65 BE demonstrator is equipped with a battery which drives the tramming motors and an electric cable to hook it up to provide power for drilling.

“We are very excited to showcase this rig at this year´s MINExpo,” Epiroc surface division acting vice president marketing Martin Johansson said.

“The SmartROC D65 BE is a milestone for us and for surface drilling around the world.

“The fact that we are removing tail pipe emissions from the drilling process is an important step towards a better environment.

“This accomplishment also shows that Epiroc has a vital role to play in making our industry more sustainable.”

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The OEM said service provider Capital Limited had been a close partner during the testing phase.

The SmartROC D65 BE demonstrator on the stand at MINExpo next week will also go directly to Capital Limited for field trial after the exhibition.

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