Epiroc, the new subsidiary of the Atlas Copco Group that is planned to be listed on the stock exchange in 2018, exhibited at the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) Annual Conference & Expo for the first time. Operating under its own brand name and logo, Epiroc showcased automation and system solutions at the annual event, held Feb. 25-28 in Minneapolis.

Atlas Copco announced in January 2017 that the Group will split into two companies in 2018: Atlas Copco, focusing on industrial customers, and Epiroc, focusing on mining, infrastructure and natural resources customers. The split is proceeding according to plan, but remains subject to approval by Atlas Copco shareholders in April of this year.

Epiroc originated from the Mining and Rock Excavation Technique business area and the Hydraulic Attachment Tools division of Atlas Copco. The name comes from Greek and Latin roots meaning “at the rock,” reflecting the brand’s newly dedicated industry focus, proximity to customers and strength of relationships.

The new brand offers a wide range of products for mining and exploration applications, from rock drilling tools to underground rock excavation equipment to blasthole drilling solutions.

In the United States, the Epiroc organization started operating under the Epiroc name on Dec. 1, 2017. Local support comes from more than 350 employees — who provide sales and service from 19 locations — along with a widespread dealer network. Eighteen branches and more than 400 employees serve partners in Canada, where operation under the Epiroc name began Sept. 1, 2017.

“Epiroc was formed to better serve our customers,” said Turgay Ozan, president of Epiroc USA LLC. “Becoming Epiroc enables us to build on more than 140 years of Atlas Copco quality and expertise, while focusing all of our energy on our partners in mining, infrastructure and natural resources. We’re dedicated to delivering them the performance they need to maximize productivity today and the technology they need to compete in the future.”

At SME, Epiroc featured a variety of solutions including:

• The Scooptram ST7 Battery, a battery-powered loader designed to increase production while meeting and exceeding environmental standards and safety requirements. Epiroc is migrating its entire underground rock excavation product line to battery power.
• The automation-ready Boomer S2, a compact two-boom-face drilling rig ideal for mine development and small tunnels.
• The Pit Viper series of surface blasthole drills that offers Rig Control System (RCS) with automation capabilities as standard. Customers have the ability to operate their Pit Vipers manually with automated assistance or to utilize the platform for fully autonomous operation. 
• The SmartROC series of drills with automation features along with intelligent functions that maximize consistency, save fuel and extend component life.
• The Mobilaris Mining Intelligence position-based support system that increases personnel productivity and safety by tracking equipment, vehicles and personnel in real-time 3D.
• T35 and T38 Powerbits for tophammer surface drilling, part of a bit line that can improve service life by up to 75 percent at significantly higher penetration rates.

“Epiroc is taking what we do best and making it even better,” Ozan says. “As Epiroc, we have the same passionate people and drive to support the success of our partners. But we can offer enhanced support and equipment solutions that maximize productivity, energy efficiency, safety and ergonomics.”

For more information, visit www.epiroc.com.