Epiroc's production facility where fossil-free steel from SSAB will be used
A battery-electric underground mine truck prototype made from fossil-free steel has been showcased by Epiroc. Developed in partnership with Swedish steelmaker SSAB, the new prototype aims to accelerate the journey towards reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, helping mining companies reach their climate goals.
The battery-electric Minetruck MT42 features a dump box made of fossil-free steel, which is said to result in a 10 t reduction of CO2 emissions for each manufactured dump box, the equivalent of taking five petrol-run cars out of service for a year.
SSAB says that it aims to deliver fossil-free steel to the market at commercial scale during 2026. It delivered the first steel made of hydrogen-reduced iron in 2021, and works with iron-ore producer LKAB and energy company Vattenfall in Sweden, as part of the HYBRIT initiative, to develop a value chain for fossil-free iron and steel production, replacing coking coal traditionally needed for iron-ore-based steelmaking with fossil-free electricity and hydrogen. SSAB says that this process virtually eliminates CO2 emissions in steel production.
Epiroc asserts that its Minetruck MT42 battery is a significant step towards producing cutting-edge, environment-friendly mining equipment, with its emissions-free operation offering a positive impact on the climate, the work environment and productivity.