Epiroc Receives Large Order for Autonomous Drill Rigs in Australia

Epiroc has secured a significant order from BHP for a fleet of autonomous Pit Viper 271 blasthole drill rigs, which will operate at the Western Australia Iron Ore operations in the Pilbara region. The equipment, designed for remote, driverless operation, will be managed from BHP’s remote operations center in Perth, over 1,100 kilometers away. The order, valued at approximately USD 18 million (SEK 200 million), was booked in the fourth quarter of 2024, with delivery scheduled for late 2025.

The order is part of an ongoing global framework agreement between Epiroc and BHP, which includes the supply of surface and underground equipment, parts, and services. Earlier in 2024, BHP placed a separate order for autonomous drill rigs for the Escondida copper mine in Chile. The rigs, equipped with Epiroc’s Automatic Bit Changer, aim to enhance productivity and safety while reducing operational costs.

“Our Pit Viper rigs have become synonymous with mining productivity and reliability, an extended machine life, and low total cost of ownership. We are excited to continue supporting BHP’s important iron ore production.” said Jose M Sanchez, President of Epiroc’s Surface division.

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