$350 million autonomous equipment sale is biggest in Epiroc history

The mining equipment experts at Epiroc will supply a fleet of autonomous, zero-emission electric Pit Viper 271E and SmartROC D65 BE drill rigs at a number of Australian mines operated by multinational ...

Go to the Electrek home page Switch site Toggle social menu Toggle dark mode Toggle search form Toggle dark mode Electric Heavy Machinery mining Fortescue $350 million autonomous equipment sale is biggest in Epiroc history Jo Borrás | Apr 21 2025 - 3:44 pm PT 1 Comment The mining equipment experts at Epiroc will supply a fleet of autonomous, zero-emission electric Pit Viper 271E and SmartROC D65 BE drill rigs at a number of Australian mines operated by multinational metals firm, Fortescue.

$225 million US) deal will see Epiroc AB supply its customer, Fortescue , with a number of blast hole drill rigs powered by either a cable connection to grid energy or, for more remote sites, batteries.

Fortescue will put the rigs to work at its iron ore mines in the Pilbara region in Western Australia.

The driverless machines will eventually be operated fully autonomously, overseen by remote operators at Fortescue’s Integrated Operations Centre in Perth – more than 1,500 km away!

Epiroc says the machines will eliminate around 35 million liters of diesel consumption annually, according to Fortescue.

“Fortescue is at the forefront of the mining industry in reducing emissions from operations, and in using automation to strengthen safety and productivity, and we are proud to support them on this important effort,” says Epiroc President Helena Hedblom.

“Not only is this the largest contract we have ever received, but it is also a major step forward for our electric-powered surface equipment.

We look forward to contributing to Fortescue’s continued success now and in the future.” The Pit Viper 271 E rotary blast hole drill rig that offers the same levels of performance that the diesel Pit Viper line is acclaimed for.

Its patented cable feed system that prolongs component longevity and reduces operational costs.