Epiroc wins large order for autonomous surface mining equipment in Australia

BHP has ordered a fleet of Pit Viper 271 blasthole drill rigs that will be used at its Western Australia Iron Ore operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The machines will allow BHP operators to supervise the autonomous, driverless operation from its integrated remote operations centre in Perth located more than 1100 km away.

The equipment order is valued at around US$18 million and was booked in 4Q24.

Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, comments:

“We value our long partnership with BHP and are happy to continue supporting them.”

Jose M Sanchez, President of Epiroc’s Surface division, added:

“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.”

Delivery of the equipment is expected to occur 4Q25.

The order follows the recent renewal of a global frame agreement between Epiroc and BHP that involves Epiroc providing surface and underground equipment, parts, and services to the mining company over several years.

As part of the framework renewal, BHP, during 3Q24, placed another large order for its Escondida copper mine in Chile. This order, for a fleet of autonomous Pit Viper 351 and Pit Viper 271 rigs, was valued at more than US$30 million. Delivery of the equipment to Escondida is expected to begin in 4Q25 and continue through 1Q26.

The autonomous Pit Viper 351 and Pit Viper 271 machines, manufactured in the US, are built tough to boost productivity and efficiency over many years. The Pit Viper 271 rigs also come with Epiroc’s Automatic Bit Changer solution, which allows for drill bits to be changed with a single touch of a button, which saves time and strengthens safety.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/07012025/epiroc-wins-large-order-for-autonomous-surface-mining-equipment-in-australia/