MMG Rosebery is the first mine in Tasmania to introduce a battery electric production drill to its underground mining fleet.
The Epiroc Simba E70SG is a 34-tonne, 14-metre-long underground drill rig designed for blasting holes to open up production areas in mining operations. It is equipped with 150 kW of traction power and a 150 kW battery system, marking another step toward more sustainable mining practices.
Rosebery Mine General Manager Steve Scott said this is the first phase in the operations’ transition to battery-electric vehicle equipment.
“The battery-electric production drill provides the additional benefits of a reduction in noise and vibration for operators of the equipment, reducing heat generation and the emissions of diesel particulate matter,” he said.
“The multi-million dollar investment in battery electric equipment follows the introduction of three low emission diesel electric loaders into our underground fleet in 2023.
“We have seen some significant environmental benefits from our transition to the diesel electric loaders, such as using 170,000 litres less diesel fuel last year.
“As we navigate higher operational costs and a community expectation to reduce our environmental impact, this highlights our commitment to mining in a more sustainable way.”
Rosebery Mine remains committed to MMG’s vision to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
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