Epiroc, a Sweden-based equipment manufacturer, has secured a large order for autonomous surface mining equipment from BHP.
This equipment will be utilised at an iron ore mine in Australia, marking a significant advancement in mining technology.
BHP has ordered a fleet of Pit Viper 271 blasthole drill rigs for its Western Australia iron ore operations in the Pilbara region.
The autonomous Pit Viper 351 and Pit Viper 271 machines, manufactured in the US, are designed to enhance productivity and efficiency over many years.
The Pit Viper 271 rigs are equipped with Epiroc’s Automatic Bit Changer solution, allowing drill bits to be changed at the touch of a button, saving time and enhancing safety.
Epiroc surface division president Jose M Sanchez said: “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.”
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The advanced machines will enable BHP operators to supervise autonomous, driverless operations from its integrated remote operations centre in Perth more than 1,100km away.
The equipment order is valued at approximately $18m and was booked in Q4 2024.
Delivery of the equipment is set to occur in Q4 2025.
This order follows the recent renewal of a global frame agreement between Epiroc and BHP, which includes Epiroc providing surface and underground equipment, parts and services to the mining company over several years.
Epiroc president and CEO Helena Hedblom said: “We value our long partnership with BHP and are happy to continue supporting them.”
As part of the framework renewal, BHP placed another large order during Q3 2024 for its Escondida copper mine in Chile.
This order, which includes a fleet of autonomous Pit Viper 351 and Pit Viper 271 rigs, is valued at more than $30m.
Delivery of the equipment to Escondida is expected to begin in Q4 2025 and continue through Q1 2026.
Epiroc also secured an order in October last year from Newmont for surface mining equipment.
This equipment will be utilised at Newmont’s Boddington gold and copper mine in Western Australia.
The Skr335m order includes a fleet of Pit Viper 231 and SmartROC D65 drill rigs and was recorded in Q3 2024.
