Epiroc drills to join Pilbara Minerals’ fleet

The order comprises a fleet of 14 SmartROC D65 surface drill rigs and was booked in the third quarter of 2024. The large equipment order will also see Epiroc provide spare parts for the surface drill rigs.

“Lithium plays an increasingly important role as the world keeps transitioning to electrification to reduce emissions, including producing more hybrid and electric vehicles,” Epiroc president and chief executive officer Helena Hedblom said.

“We are happy to support Pilbara Minerals to optimise its operation.”

Originally launched in Australia in 2019, Eprioc’s SmartROC D65 surface drill rig was built to withstand the tough conditions common in the mining and quarry industries.

Known as Epiroc’s first fully autonomous surface drill rig, the SmartROC D65 increases productivity for mine sites as the machine can continue operating without breaks and with less wear on drilling tools. The drill rig also requires no operator, increasing safety of site workers.

The SmartROC D65 has a hole diameter of 110–229mm, which enables it to drill entire drill patterns and high-quality blastholes with accuracy and precision.

The drill rig uses 300L less hydraulic oil than previous iterations and features fewer hoses and pumps, increasing sustainability and reducing environmental impacts.

The SmartROC D65 is controlled via an advanced rig control system displayed on a touch screen inside the comfortable, air-controlled FOPS (falling object protective structure) and ROPS (roll over protection system) certified cabin. The interface provides users with information such as drilling parameters to real-time MWD (measure while drilling) data.

Other features of the SmartROC D65 surface drill rig includes the auto feed fold and the eight-metre pipes, which makes it possible to drill 16m production holes with just one rod-adding, allowing users to spend less time changing rods and more time drilling.