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Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB has been named coordinator of the European consortium on Sustainable Intelligent Mining Systems (SIMS). This mining industry initiative is funded by Horizon 2020, the biggest EU research and innovation program ever. Designed to drive sustainable economic growth, Horizon 2020 has the political backing of Europe’s leaders and the EU Parliament. You can learn more about the scope of this exciting initiative at SIMSmining.eu.
Mikael Ramström, Atlas Copco Global Strategic Projects and Alliances Manager, and Project Coordinator SIMS
Atlas Copco Answers the Challenge to Help Advance the EU Mining Industry
To encourage job growth while improving mining practices around the world, Horizon 2020 put out a call for innovation action within the European mining industry. Those who answered the challenge now make up a consortium of 11 organizations from Sweden, Finland, Germany and Poland.
As coordinator of the initiative, part of Atlas Copco’s role will be sharing information with the project consortium members and external stakeholders such as customers, politicians, and society in general. In addition to Atlas Copco, the SIMS consortium consists of ABB, Agnico Eagle, Boliden, Ericsson, KGHM Cuprum, K+S KALI, LKAB, Mobilaris, Luleå University of Technology and RWTH Aachen University.
“Stakeholder expectations are high, but with such a strong consortium, we are sure to deliver,” says Mikael Ramström, Atlas Copco’s Manager of Global Strategic Projects and Alliances, who is now taking on the role as Project Coordinator SIMS.
Shaping the Future of Mining
Atlas Copco provides equipment for drilling and rock excavation through a global network. With new advances in low-emission, battery-powered equipment, as well as telematics and automation, the long-established Swedish firm is a key driver behind the technology shaping the future of sustainable mining.Their strong foundation within the industry, combined with forward thinking, made Atlas Copco a clear choice to coordinate this consortium, with a total budget of €16 million over three years.
“We are very proud to lead this consortium. It has been extremely exciting to develop this winning project proposal together with the rest of the group members. We are looking forward to the next phase, as we prepare for the start-up of the SIMS initiative,” says Andreas Nordbrandt, President, Atlas Copco Underground Rock Excavation Division.
Changing Public Perception of the Mining Industry
The SIMS consortium is working to not only support economic growth, but also positively change the perception of the mining industry as a whole. With innovative solutions that focus on safe, efficient and ecologically-sound mining, SIMS members will demonstrate that sustainable practices are not only desirable, but essential to the transformation of profitable mining operations.
Each SIMS consortium partner will demonstrate their new advancements in working mines located around Europe. Technology demonstrated will include: Ericsson’s 5G communication, ABB’s 800xA process control, Mobilaris’ underground positioning system, and Atlas Copco’s battery-power and automation technology for mining.
Atlas Copco is proud to take a crucial role in the advancement of the state-of-the-art innovation being developed by all the SIMS partners. “SIMS is a fantastic opportunity and we look forward to working closely with our established partners to further innovation and safety within the mining industry,” says Morgan Rody, Atlas Copco’s Project Manager for SIMS.
To further advance progress in sustainable mining, the work of the SIMS consortium will be well documented, and the data will be shared with stakeholders in the European and global mining industry. The results are sure to demonstrate how innovators from the EU are making the future of global mining possible.
Learn more about SIMS at: SIMSmining.eu
Atlas Copco is a world-leading provider of sustainable productivity solutions. The Group serves customers with innovative compressors, vacuum solutions and air treatment systems, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems. Atlas Copco develops products and services focused on productivity, energy efficiency, safety and ergonomics. The company was founded in 1873, is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has a global reach spanning more than 180 countries. In 2015, Atlas Copco had revenues of BSEK 102 (BEUR 11) and more than 43 000 employees. Learn more at www.atlascopcogroup.com.
Underground Rock Excavation is a division within Atlas Copco’s Mining and Rock Excavation Technique business area. It develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of tunneling and mining equipment for various underground applications worldwide. Atlas Copco’s strong focus on innovative product design and service support systems gives added customer value. The divisional headquarters and main production center are in Sweden.
