Epiroc buys electric mine solutions firm

In a move to further its contribution to the digitization and digitalization of the mining industry, Epiroc plans to acquire Canada-based Meglab, a company that specializes in providing electrification infrastructure solutions to mines.

"Epiroc is proud to be the leader in providing battery-electric vehicles for the mining industry, improving customers' work environment and lowering their emissions while increasing their productivity," said Epiroc President and CEO Helena Hedblom. "The acquisition of Meglab will strengthen our capacity to provide the infrastructure required as mines transition to battery-electric vehicles."

Epiroc has spent nearly three decades preparing for the shift to the electrification of mines, while the company's first Scooptram ST7 battery was manufactured in 2013, the thinking started as early as the 1980s.

"In the 1980s, we had the first [electric] concept available, but the market was not ready then," said Franck Boudreault, Electrification Transformation Lead for Epiroc's Underground division. "Initially, we had a relatively small market segment for these battery-powered vehicles; now, we're much more into a global offering."

Amassing more than 120,000 operating hours from battery-electric machines alone, which include seven-, 10-, and 14-ton LHDs (load, haul, dump machine); 20-and 42-ton trucks; and a range of battery-electric mid-sized drilling equipment that includes face drilling, production drilling and rock reinforcement rigs, it is evident that the company has accelerated its electrification process.

The purchase of Meglab, slated to be finalized by mid-year, further accentuates Epiroc's goal of zero emission mining.

Based in Val-D'Or, Quebec, Meglab is a technology integrator that designs, manufactures, installs and supports practical and cost-effective electrification and telecommunications infrastructure solutions to customers in several countries.

Its products and solutions include system design, substations, switchgears and automation system solutions, enabling the infrastructure needed for mine electrification and equipment charging solutions, as well as for digitalization and automation of operations.

This purchase also follows a recent acquisition of MineRP, a software company with expertise in digital mine integration, further suggesting that Epiroc is doubling down.

You can read more about Epiroc's acquisition of MineRP at Mining data company acquired by Epiroc in the December 30, 2020 edition of Metal Tech News.

Meglab will become part of Epiroc's parts and services division and will continue to be based in Canada.