Epiroc broadens zero-emission product range using recycled steel

Swedish mining equipment manufacturer Epiroc, who strives to accelerate the decarbonization of the mining industry, recently signed a delivery agreement for SSAB Zero™, a recycled steel produced using fossil-free energy.

Epiroc’s series of battery-electric mine trucks and loaders already enable zero-emissions underground operations. Now, through its long-standing partnership with SSAB, Epiroc plans to use emission-free steel in the manufacturing of its customer solutions to further reduce their environmental impact. The latest delivery agreement will see the introduction of SSAB Zero™ as early as in Q3 2023. 

“It is important to take a holistic, life cycle approach and consider the complete value chain of our solutions,” says Anders Hedqvist, Head of strategic projects, at Epiroc’s Underground division. “While electrification is one area where we are constantly innovating, sourcing of material is just as important. In fact, steel is responsible for more than half of our upstream emissions from the production of purchased goods and services (scope 3.1). With SSAB Zero™ we will be able to reduce the carbon footprint of a product without compromising on material characteristics and performance.”

In addition to the new delivery agreement for SSAB Zero™, Epiroc has previously utilized SSAB Fossil-free™ steel, a steel based on iron-ore without fossil fuels, to create the world’s first underground mine truck using fossil-free steel.

“Epiroc’s ambition is to transform mining into a more sustainable industry utilizing emission-free steel from SSAB.”​
Sami Niiranen​, President Epiroc Underground division​

The use of emission-free steel will help Epiroc meet its long-term sustainability ambitions, which are aligned with the Paris Agreement and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as its customers’ sustainability targets. The target is to halve the CO2e emissions from its machines sold by 2030, and as soon as 2025, Epiroc aims to offer a complete range of emission-free underground products. 

“The quality and properties of SSAB Zero™ will be equal to the steel currently used in Epiroc’s customer solutions, while providing a significantly lower carbon footprint,” says Anders Hedqvist.“ Combined with battery-electric drivelines, our customers will be able to run their operations efficiently, while also meeting the continuously increasing demand to reduce their carbon footprint. This means that we can support our customers in reaching their own sustainability goals even better.”

SSAB Zero™ is made from recycled steel and is produced using fossil-free electricity. This means it has virtually zero fossil carbon emissions (less than 0.05 kg CO2e emissions per kg steel in scope 1 and 2) in operations, including purchased energy and transportation. Since only recycled steel is used for raw material, SSAB Zero™ is a circular product.

Steel roof

More customers on SSAB Zero™

Other customers are also using SSAB Zero™. Read more on why and how.

The next generation of recycled steel

We are taking the next step towards a more sustainable future.

FAQ: SSAB Zero™