Epiroc of Sweden has secured a large order for autonomous and electric mining equipment in Africa
The undisclosed customer has ordered a fleet of Pit Viper 275 E blasthole drill rigs, with a value of around SEK 380mn (US$40mn), the company reported in a statement.
Eprioc, which describes itself as a leading productivity and sustainability partner for the mining and infrastructure industries, did not identify the customer or where the rigs would be deployed in Africa, but the sale highlights a growing interest in autonomous equipment across the mining industry and related sectors.
In its statement, the company noted that the machines are cable electric and will be operated fully autonomously, boosting safety and productivity while having zero exhaust emissions.
“Epiroc is on the forefront of mining automation and electrification,” said Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s president and CEO.
“This major order is another significant step forward in our journey to support customers to operate in the safest, most productive and most climate-friendly manner possible.”
The top-modern Pit Viper 275 E rig is the cable-electric version of the blasthole drill rig that has become a staple in the mining industry.
Its robust design and innovative features have made it a go-to solution for rotary blasthole drilling operations around the world.
Delivery of the equipment will begin shortly and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.Read more:
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Epiroc to send electric drill rigs to Africa
Eprioc's Pit Viper 275 E drilling rig. (Image source: Epiroc)
