Epiroc and Vale Base Metals bolster mine safety and innovation

Epiroc Canada and Vale Base Metals Limited (“VBM”) subsidiary Vale Canada Limited today announced they have entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (“the Agreement”) to develop, test and utilize groundbreaking mining techniques and equipment to strengthen safety processes and drive innovative mining solutions while enhancing productivity.

Under the Agreement, the two organizations will collaborate to apply and adapt Epiroc’s solutions in automation, electrification, and digitalization across the underground mining cycle in areas from long-hole drilling to blasting, face drilling, bolting, mucking and hauling.

“We are excited about our shared commitment with Vale Base Metals to accelerate the transformation of the mining industry through innovation that will keep pushing the benchmark of safety for workers, without compromising on productivity,” said Sarah Hoffman, Vice President Sales & Marketing at Epiroc’s Underground division.

Vale Base Metals plans to use Epiroc’s technology and digital advances in underground technology to remove employees from the rock face, production drilling areas and ground support locations in support of safe and efficient mining activities. This includes remote operation of Epiroc and mixed fleet OEM equipment in isolated zones. The companies will evaluate innovative electrification technologies such as charging, equipment usage, operational efficiency, as well as potential partnerships on novel technologies with potential for more widespread application.

“Safety is a central pillar of our operations so we're excited to develop solutions that strengthen our suite of available technologies to keep workers safe and drive overall efficiencies,” said Luke Mahony, Interim Chief Technical Officer at Vale Base Metals. “This partnership with Epiroc will be an important step on our journey.”

For more information please contact: 

Ann-Sofie Andersson, Global Manager Brand and Communications, Underground division
ann-sofie.andersson@epiroc.com, +46721838434

Vale Base Metals
Media Relations Office
media.valebasemetals@vale.com

Epiroc’s Underground division develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of tunneling and mining equipment, including drill rigs, loaders, mine trucks and ventilation systems, for underground applications worldwide. It focuses on innovative product design and aftermarket support systems for added customer value. The division has production in Sweden, India, China and South Africa. Please see www.epiroc.com for product offerings.

Epiroc is a global productivity partner for mining and construction customers, and accelerates the transformation toward a sustainable society. With ground-breaking technology, Epiroc develops and provides innovative and safe equipment, such as drill rigs, rock excavation and construction equipment and tools for surface and underground applications. The company also offers world-class service and other aftermarket support as well as solutions for automation, digitalization and electrification. Epiroc is based in Stockholm, Sweden, had revenues of SEK 50 billion in 2022, and has around 18 100 passionate employees supporting and collaborating with customers in around 150 countries. Learn more at www.epirocgroup.com.

Vale Base Metals Limited, the holding entity for Vale’s energy transition metals business, is one of the world’s largest producers of high-quality nickel and an important producer of copper and responsibly sourced cobalt. With a corporate presence in Toronto, Canada, and operations in Newfoundland & Labrador, Ontario, Manitoba, Indonesia, Brazil, the UK and Japan, the business delivers critical building blocks for a cleaner, greener future.