Epiroc has secured an order for autonomous and electric surface mining equipment in Africa, including Pit Viper 275 E cable-electric blasthole drill rigs designed for fully autonomous operation.
Supplied by Epiroc
The equipment will be deployed to improve safety and productivity while eliminating direct diesel emissions from drilling operations. The order reinforces Africa’s growing role as a deployment region for next-generation automated mining fleets.
The order is valued at SEK380-million and was booked in the first quarter of 2026. “Epiroc is at the forefront of mining automation and electrification and 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,” says Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s president and CEO.
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 in 2026 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Source: supplied by Epiroc