What synergies have you observed in 2022 since being acquired by Epiroc?

We were acquired by Epiroc in mid-2021 and are still running much as a separate entity, doing our own business. However, the partnership is still expanding, and during 2022, we have focused on leveraging Epiroc’s reach and expertise in a couple of key territories, particularly America and Australia. For drilling autonomy and remote controls, Epiroc and its customers need solid networks, and we are helping deploy those networks. Where networks already exist, they are leveraging us to audit those networks, verifying they can support the autonomy or remote control requirements.

How important are the Arizona and Nevada markets for 3D-P?

The Arizona and Nevada markets are huge for us. Arizona is 3D-P’s original home, and Freeport McMoRan is one of our strongest customers globally. Nevada is also key, and we are actively expanding in the state, with a particular focus on 2023. One of our key value propositions is around the wireless network and the connectivity to the fleet. Today, the wireless network is often referred to as the “fourth utility.” It’s critical to the success of many of our customer’s primary objectives, such as productivity and safety enhancements. We offer several levels of engagement, starting with the network audit we have been providing to many of our Epiroc customers. We go all the way up to full network design and deployment, similar to our engagement with Freeport, where we are engaged with helping choose the right technology solutions, designing, deploying, and supporting their fourth utility.

How is the focus put on ESG initiatives affecting your activities?

We have recently announced our Refurbished Parts program. In the event a customer is replacing their older Intelligent Endpoints, 3D-P will buy them back to reuse any recyclable components. A key part of this program is then based around offering our customers e200 IEP devices where we have utilized those refurbished components. In the event we can offer those devices, not only do we pass the component savings on to the customer, but we are extending our standard warranty by a full year. Additionally, the Intelligent Endpoint can act as an onboard datalogger, logging critical vehicle health and utilization information from the fleet. In this capacity, we can help our customers baseline and report on their ESG initiatives and mandates.

How does 3D-P answer the challenge posed by the harshness and remoteness of mines in the southwest?

Our Endpoints may seem expensive because they are custom-built specifically to be capable of handling the extreme temperatures, vibration, and harshness of mining. But looking at the true costs of downtime on equipment, quality technology is a good investment, and our cost gets way down. The industrial and even “ruggedized” devices we find off the shelf today are not built for mining fleets in harsh environments. We will not compromise on quality; we build products that are right for the mining industry.