Epiroc accelerates blasthole drilling change with new electric-driven Pit Vipers – International Mining

Epiroc has launched three new electric-driven blasthole drills – the Pit Viper 271 XC E, Pit Viper 275 XC E and the Pit Viper 291 E – as part of an expansion of its Smart and Green Series.

These Pit Vipers deliver the same performance as their diesel-driven counterparts with zero exhaust emissions, zero fuel consumption and a lower carbon footprint, according to the company.

The Pit Viper 271 XC E is capable of drilling single-pass holes up to 18 m with diameters up to 270 mm and the Pit Viper 275 XC E handles single-pass holes up to 11 m with diameters reaching 270 mm. Both drills can be configured with the XC package (Xtra Capacity) to provide 42.5 t bit load capacity, Epiroc says.

The Pit Viper 291 E is capable of drilling single-pass holes up to 18 m with diameters up to 280-311 mm. All three rigs are supported by a 42-t bit load capacity that, the OEM says, ensures reliable and effective drilling.

Epiroc’s latest electric-driven blasthole drills are designed for an era of cleaner and more sustainable operations, offering automation features that optimise productivity and enhance safety and accuracy through live work elimination, it added.

Cynthia Rodriguez, Global Product Manager – Large Blasthole, said: “These electric-driven Pit Viper drills exemplify Epiroc’s unwavering commitment to accelerate change in the mining industry.”

The blasthole drills are billed as offering a safer and more efficient drilling experience, in line with the company’s dedication to sustainability.

Rodriguez added: “These electric-driven Pit Viper drills exemplify Epiroc’s unwavering commitment to accelerate change in the mining industry. By combining advanced automation solutions with sustainability, we are offering state-of-the-art drills and paving the way for a safer, more efficient future in mining operations.”

The introduction of these three drills signifies Epiroc’s electrification of its complete Pit Viper lineup, providing electric alternatives for each drill in the series. Epiroc is poised to transform industry benchmarks, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious and technologically advanced mining solutions.