Epiroc Goes Autonomous and Electric Drive in South Africa
Epiroc AB has won a large order for autonomous and electric surface miningequipment in South Africa
Even in South Africa, Epiroc is pushing electrification, for economic benefits as well as sustainability ones. Just think about tunnel ventilation, a significant cost item in mine management. They told us about it at B2Press at SamoTer, in Verona, Italy. Testifying to Epiroc’s commitment is its cooperation with Northvolt, also on the safety front: tested in incandescent environments, the batteries remained stable for 30 minutes. The temperature of each cell is monitored remotely, a practice that allows action on cooling and power output, right up to machine shutdown. But let’s return to the relationship linking Epiroc with BEV and South Africa.
How Epiroc Is Driving Electrification in South Africa
The customer of the Swedish OEM has ordered a fleet of Pit Viper 275 E blasthole drill rigs. The machines are cable electric and will be operated fully autonomously, boosting safety and productivity while having zero exhaust emissions. The order is valued at SEK 380 million and was booked in the first quarter 2026.
In the Words of the President and CEO
“Epiroc is on 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 shortly and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
