Tag Archives: Epiroc

Epiroc upgrades SmartROC C50 drill rig with long feed option

Automation, Explosives and blasting, Mining equipment, , , , ,

Epiroc says its SmartROC C50 will now be available with a choice of two feeds, the standard feed or a long feed, allowing the drill rig to deliver even more metres per shift.

This rig combines high penetration rates with superior hole quality – even in the most challenging conditions, the company claims.

The long feed enables this COPROD rig to deliver even more meters per shift by increasing drilling time and reducing the time changing rods, according to Epiroc. Additionally, less rod changing reduces wear on consumables and helps lower fuel costs. This makes this machine even more cost effective.

Epiroc said: “The SmartROC C50 is one of fastest, safest and most efficient drill rigs available on the market. The well-known surface drill rig is a favoured choice for contractors and mining customers who require both raw power and precision. This is due to the COPROD technology, which offers the unique combination of precision and speed. Together with the new long feed, this rig will be beneficial to mining and quarrying operations all around the globe.”

The SmartROC C50 with a long feed can carry a 7.3 m starter rod and 6 m rods in the carousel, which increases the maximum hole depth to 37 m. There is also a significant increase in its single-pass capacity, according to Epiroc.

“We have taken this top class surface drill rig and made it even more appealing with this new long feed option,” Ulf Gyllander, Global Product Manager at Epiroc, said. “With its smart Rig Control System (RCS) and easy-to-use touch screen, we are proud to call the SmartROC C50 a class-leading rig.”

Epiroc to split Tools & Attachments division to foster new growth

Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, , ,

Epiroc says it is further strengthening the focus on its tools and attachments business through the splitting of its Tools & Attachments division and appointment of new division presidents.

In recent years, the Tools & Attachments division has expanded significantly through organic and inorganic growth, and will become significantly larger after the completion of the acquisition of STANLEY Infrastructure, Epiroc says. To sustain optimal focus on each business line and continue fostering profitable growth, Epiroc will, from May 1, 2024, split the Tools & Attachments division into these two new divisions: the Rock Drilling Tools (Tools) division and the Mining & Infrastructure Attachments (Attachments) division.

Martin Hjerpe, currently SVP M&A, Strategy and Supply Chain, will become President of the Tools division. Goran Popovski, currently President of the Tools & Attachments division, will become President of the Attachments division.

“With past growth and now the ongoing acquisition of STANLEY Infrastructure – our largest acquisition ever – our tools and attachments business is expanding significantly,” Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, says. “By dividing up the business into two dedicated divisions, we are optimising the focus for all the business lines and supporting sustainable, profitable growth.”

The Tools division will cover:

  • Tophammer and Handheld;
  • DTH, Rotary and Raiseboring;
  • Ground Support; and
  • Supply Chain.

The Attachments division will cover:

  • Ground Engaging Tools (CR);
  • Hydraulic Attachment Tools; and
  • STANLEY Infrastructure

After the change on May 1, Epiroc will have the following external reporting segments and divisions (the external reporting segments remain unchanged):

  • The Equipment & Service segment with the divisions Underground, Surface, Parts & Services North and South America (NASA), Parts & Services Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Parts & Services Asia Pacific (APAC), and Digital Solutions. (Unchanged); and
  • The Tools & Attachments segment with the divisions Tools and Attachments.

Epiroc announced on December 15, 2023, that it had agreed to acquire STANLEY Infrastructure from Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. The acquisition is expected to be completed around the end of this month.

Epiroc-Dumas

Epiroc banks Dumas order for drills, loaders and trucks in Mexico

Automation, Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Precious metals, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Epiroc says it has won a large order in Mexico from Canada-based mining services provider Dumas Contracting Ltd for underground mining equipment and related services and solutions.

Dumas, a subsidiary of STRACON Group – a leading provider of state-of-the-art underground and surface mining services throughout the Americas – is a full-service underground mining contractor. It has ordered a range of Epiroc rigs for face drilling, production drilling and rock reinforcement, as well as loaders and mine trucks for use at a silver mine in northern Mexico.

The order is valued at about SEK200 million ($19.5 million) and was booked in the March quarter of 2024.

Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, said: “We have several years of successful partnership with Dumas in Canada and the United States, and we are happy to now support them in Mexico so they can provide their mining clients with the best solutions possible to strengthen safety and productivity.”

Paolo Herrera, Vice President Operations, Mexico, Dumas, said: “Building upon decades of successful partnerships, we have once again aligned with Epiroc to provide equipment solutions to one of our critical projects in Mexico as both parties were able to develop a common understanding of service delivery, which will enable Dumas to add value to our mining clients. We look forward to delivering world-class mining services that are founded in safe and productive performance.”

The ordered equipment includes Boomer 282 and Boomer S1D face drilling rigs, Boltec S and Boltec 235H rock reinforcement rigs, Simba S7 production drill rigs, Scooptram ST1030 and Scooptram ST7 loaders, and Minetruck MT2200 and Minetruck MT436B haulers.

Epiroc will also provide spare parts, drilling tools, technical service and training on site, as well as safety-enhancing digital solutions that include asset tracking.

The new order follows a smaller order from Dumas in the December quarter of 2023. Dumas then ordered Boomer 282 and Boltec 235 rigs for use at a new gold mine in Mexico.

Meglab and Bell to collaborate on Canadian mining Private LTE/5G network projects

Automation, Communications in mining, IoT, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , , , ,

Meglab is to integrate Private LTE/5G network solutions into the Canadian mining sector in partnership with Bell, setting, it says, a new standard for operational efficiency and technological advancement.

The offer for private mobile networks for the mining sector allows the secure transfer of large quantities of data at very high speeds. With these capabilities, mining companies can use artificial intelligence in their daily operations to automate and evaluate decision-making processes to maximise productivity. They are also able to perform preventative maintenance and create a more secure working environment for their employees.

Meglab’s experience in the mining sector is complemented by its specialised workforce, not only capable of operating in remote locations, but also skilled in the deployment of advanced telecommunications technologies in underground mines, it says. Combined with Bell’s private mobile network expertise, Meglab is set to power mines with connected equipment, people and processes that will advance mining operations in Canada.

“We are so proud of this partnership,” Kim Valade, General Manager of Meglab (owned by Epiroc), said. “This unique collaboration will enable us to offer the very best in private mobile networks for the mining industry.”

The partnership not only enables the use of industrial IoT and artificial intelligence, it also actively supports the automation of mining vehicles, Meglab says, adding that this is a crucial step towards modernising mining operations. This integration ensures a seamless flow of data, videos, images and voice communications. The Private LTE/5G networks are specifically designed to handle the heavy data demands and exacting operational reliability of the mining sector, thus ensuring security and speed in data transfer, and facilitating the sophisticated processes of automated mining.

Costa Pantazopoulos, VP Product, Bell, said: “Bell is proud to partner with Meglab to help bring together the diverse ecosystem of mining partners together with our private mobile network to support the digital transformation of the Canadian mining industry.”

DIG CT to bring MinEx CRC’s RoXplorer coiled tubing drilling tech to the market

Environmental, Mineral exploration, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , , , , , , , ,

MinEx CRC says has struck a commercialisation deal with DIG CT, a niche Australia-based drilling company set to bring MinEx CRC’s RoXplorer® coiled tubing (CT) drilling technology to market.

The CT drilling platform enables mineral exploration companies to significantly improve their environmental footprint and productivity by meeting the challenges of exploring in deep cover frontier provinces, barely touched in decades of previous exploration, according to MinEx CRC.

Developed in collaboration with industry partners Anglo American, BHP, Epiroc, LKAB Wassara, South32 and the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA), the CT platform can drill through unconsolidated cover and hard-rock formations to depths of 500 m, delivering safety, efficiency, productivity and high-quality sampling with minimal infrastructure and streamlined operating processes.

“The key feature of RoXplorer CT drill rig is the patented mast design and over-the-hole positioning of the coil reel,” MinEx CRC CEO, Andrew Bailey, said.

“This enables increased coil life, seamless transition between CT and conventional top-drive drilling, rapid loading and unloading of tooling and drill string incorporated on the rig for ease of set up, pack down and transport.”

DIG CT Founder and Director, and Global Drilling Specialist, Craig Lavrick, said: “I’m proud to have been involved with the CT rig platform’s development since its inception, for over a decade. I consider coil tubing technology a ‘game changer’ and necessary next generation equipment to elevate exploration drilling to a safer, greener and more productive industry.”

Since August 2021, the CT platform has safely completed over 14,000 m of drilling in collaboration with Geological Survey of South Australia, Geological Survey of Western Australia, Geoscience Australia, Anglo American and EnviroCopper. Drilling trials demonstrate the system’s success and application to real-world, deep cover exploration scenarios while providing cost, productivity, safety and environmental benefits when compared with conventional drilling platforms.

The commercialisation deal between MinEx CRC and DIG CT will see the RoXplorer CT drilling platform offered as a drilling service for hire, with one initial drill rig in operation, with the intent to grow the fleet as mineral explorers recognise the value and utility of the novel CT technology, MinEx CRC says.

In February 2023 MinEx CRC announced a manufacturing deal with rig manufacturer, Schramm – now a subsidiary of the Epiroc group – who are ready to build the new fleet of CT drill rigs as demand increases, according to the organisation.

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

Automation, Explosives and blasting, Mining equipment, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable 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.

Epiroc to supply Shandong Gold with trucks, loaders, drill and rock reinforcement rigs

Mine operation news, Mining equipment, Precious metals, , , , , ,

Epiroc says it has won a large order for underground mining equipment from Shandong Gold Group Co., Ltd for use at three gold mines in China.

Shandong Gold Group, one of China’s largest gold mining companies, has ordered a fleet of mine trucks, loaders and drill- and rock reinforcement rigs to expand production at the Jiaojia, Xincheng and Sanshandao gold mines.

The order is valued at about SEK350 million ($34 million) and was booked in the December quarter of 2023.

Epiroc has supported the development of Shandong Gold Group with various underground mining equipment since 1986.

“We have a long-standing and productive partnership with Shandong Gold Group, and we are happy to continue supporting the company on its journey toward operations that are as safe and productive as possible,” Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, said.

The ordered equipment includes the Minetruck MT2200 hauler, Scooptram ST1030 and Scooptram ST3.5 loaders, Boomer 282 face drilling rig, and Boltec S1K rock reinforcement rig.

Epiroc and Vale enter into MoU focused on leveraging groundbreaking mining techniques

Automation, Base metals, Communications in mining, Environmental, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , ,

Epiroc Canada and Vale Base Metals Limited subsidiary Vale Canada Limited have announced a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to develop, test and utilise groundbreaking mining techniques and equipment to strengthen safety processes and drive innovative mining solutions while enhancing productivity.

Under the agreement, the two organisations will collaborate to apply and adapt Epiroc’s solutions in automation, electrification and digitalisation across the underground mining cycle in areas from long-hole drilling to blasting, face drilling, bolting, mucking and hauling, the OEM says.

Sarah Hoffman, Vice President Sales & Marketing at Epiroc’s Underground division, said: “We are excited about our shared commitment with Vale Base Metals to accelerate the transformation of the mining industry through innovation that will keep pushing the benchmark of safety for workers, without compromising on productivity.”

Vale Base Metals plans to use Epiroc’s technology and digital advances in underground technology to remove employees from the rock face, production drilling areas and ground support locations in support of safe and efficient mining activities. This includes remote operation of Epiroc and mixed fleet OEM equipment in isolated zones. The companies will evaluate innovative electrification technologies such as charging, equipment usage, operational efficiency, as well as potential partnerships on novel technologies with potential for more widespread application, Epiroc says.

Luke Mahony, Interim Chief Technical Officer at Vale Base Metals, said: “This partnership with Epiroc will be an important step on our journey. Safety is a central pillar of our operations so we’re excited to develop solutions that strengthen our suite of available technologies to keep workers safe and drive overall efficiencies.”

Epiroc names Wayne Symes as President of Underground division

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Epiroc has appointed Wayne Symes as President of the Underground division and member of Group Management, effective April 1, 2024.

Since 2020, Symes has held the Vice President Global Customer Relationships position at Epiroc. He has almost 15 years within the group in different positions.

Symes, an Australian citizen, has extensive experience leading companies and business lines within mining and with customers globally. He holds a Diploma of Business Management from School of Technical and Further Education in Tasmania, Australia, and a Diploma of International Management from Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden, and Duke University, United States. He will be based in Sweden.

Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, said: “Wayne is a highly appreciated member of the Epiroc team, who embraces our values including putting customers first and building for long-term sustainable results. With Wayne’s strong background, experience and positive attitude, I am convinced he will be successful in his new role.”

Symes succeeds Sami Niiranen, who, as previously announced, will leave for a position outside the group.

Eti Bakir to acquire Epiroc drills, trucks and loaders, as well as trial battery-electric Minetruck

Automation, Base metals, Environmental, Mine operation news, Mining equipment, Mining services, Power supply for mines, , , , , , , , , , ,

Epiroc says it has won a large order from Eti Bakir for underground mining equipment that will be used at a new copper mine in Türkiye.

Eti Bakir, Türkiye’s largest mining company and a long-time customer of Epiroc, has ordered a fleet of face drilling rigs, production drilling rigs, mine trucks and loaders. The machines will primarily be used at a new copper mine currently under development near the city of Elazig. Some of the ordered units will be utilized at other existing Eti Bakir sites to strengthen operations there.

The order is valued at about SEK280 million ($27 million) and was booked in the December quarter of 2023.

“We are happy to get the opportunity to continue supporting Eti Bakir to operate its mines in the safest and most productive way possible,” Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, says.

The ordered machines include Boomer S2 face drilling rigs, Simba E70 S production drilling rigs (one pictured), Scooptram ST14 loaders, and Minetruck MT42 and Minetruck MT436B haulers. The drilling rigs will come equipped with Epiroc’s Advanced Boom Control solution, ABC Total, enabling the operator to drill a sequence of holes automatically and to control more than one boom simultaneously. All the ordered machines will feature Epiroc’s fleet management system, which allows for intelligent monitoring of machine performance and productivity in real-time.

Delivery is expected to begin in the first half of 2024. Also, as part of this capital equipment deal, Eti Bakir will get to test run one of Epiroc’s battery-electric Minetruck MT42 SG haulers at the Kastamonu Küre underground copper mine.

Gökhan Zengin, Eti Bakir Machinery Manager, said: “We have a long history of collaboration with Epiroc, and at our new copper mine in Elazig, we have chosen Epiroc products whose efficiency and performance we know and trust from our existing mines. We are also excited to experience the performance of the MT42 battery-driven mine truck, which we will be testing for the first time in Türkiye as part of our sustainable mining approach.”

In 2021, Epiroc announced that it had won a large order from Eti Bakir for equipment to support the expansion of three underground copper mines.