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Epiroc partnering with Sudbury college on electric vehicle maintenance program

Collège Boréal’s first cohort gets underway on Feb. 9
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Epiroc is a global leader in manufacturing battery-electric vehicles for use in underground mining.

Epiroc has signed on to help Collège Boréal in offering a new program to train students in the maintenance of battery-electric mining vehicles.

The college and Epiroc, a Swedish equipment manufacturer with vast experience in battery-electric vehicle technology, announced on Feb. 4 they had signed a memorandum of understanding. 

In launching the program last February, the French-language college was the first in the North to develop a battery-electric vehicle maintenance program, a response to industry needs as more mining companies look to make the switch from diesel-powered vehicles to improve safety, reduce emissions, and boost efficiency underground.

“The Sudbury region has deep roots in mining and innovation, so the opportunity for Epiroc to partner with Collège Boréal and see the benefits to both the local mining industry and safe working practices in our own community is an exciting proposition,” said Frank Luttrell, Epiroc Canada’s regional manager for Central Canada, in a news release.

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Boréal’s program, which will be offered in both French and English, is designed for professionals in the mining sector who want to add the specialty to their skill set, as well as graduates in related fields who want to further their professional development.

Instruction will focus on three main areas: battery technology, battery security standards, and battery maintenance.

“Collège Boréal is fortunate to partner with Epiroc, a globally recognized technology supplier to the mining and infrastructure industries. They are a pioneer in the field of electrification and an expert in battery-electric vehicles,” Julie Nadeau, Collège Boréal's director of business development, said in the release.

“In this highly specialized and rapidly evolving sector, this collaboration will ensure that our course content and equipment remain at the cutting edge, providing our students and clients with the tools they need to succeed.”

Epiroc said it will actively participate and support the program, including ensuring the school has access to training tools and materials.

Similar programs are being offered at Northern College in Timmins and at Cambrian College in Sudbury.