Epiroc African Order for Auto Cable-Electric Drills Adds to Good Year for Electric & Autonomous Fleets

Why It Matters

Scaling driverless, zero‑emission drills helps mining firms cut CO₂ emissions and boost productivity, accelerating industry‑wide adoption of automation and electrification.

Key Takeaways

• Order worth SEK380 million for autonomous electric drills
• Delivery of Pit Viper 275 E rigs completes by end‑2027
• Epiroc’s automation fleet now exceeds 3,900 machines worldwide
• Electrification revenue reaches 3.8% of total group sales
• Battery‑electric fleet boosts productivity 11% at South African mine

Pulse Analysis

The mining sector is in the midst of a rapid transition toward autonomous and electrified equipment, driven by tighter emissions regulations and the need for higher productivity. Epiroc’s recent SEK380 million contract for Pit Viper 275 E cable‑electric drill rigs in Africa underscores how quickly original equipment manufacturers are moving from pilot projects to full‑scale deployments. The order, booked in the March 2026 quarter, adds to a pipeline that already includes a SEK2.2 billion five‑year deal with Fortescue in Australia. Together, these contracts push Epiroc’s global autonomous fleet past 3,900 units, a 13 % year‑on‑year increase.

The Pit Viper 275 E is a cable‑electric blasthole drill that can operate completely autonomously, eliminating the need for on‑site operators and removing diesel exhaust from underground environments. This zero‑emission solution not only improves worker safety but also delivers measurable productivity gains; Epiroc reports up to 11 % higher tonnes per hour and a 23 % increase in ramp speed on comparable battery‑electric deployments. By drawing power directly from the mine’s electrical grid, the rigs reduce fuel logistics, lower maintenance costs, and enable regenerative energy capture during downhill cycles, further enhancing overall efficiency.

Epiroc’s expanding autonomous portfolio is translating into tangible financial results, with electrification revenues now representing 3.8 % of total group turnover and a growing backlog of multi‑year digital platform agreements. The African order, combined with the Fortescue contract, signals strong confidence from mining customers in driverless, climate‑friendly solutions, especially as higher gold and copper prices sustain capital spending. As more mines adopt grid‑powered equipment and connectivity platforms like Link OA, the industry can expect accelerated decarbonisation, lower operating costs, and a shift toward data‑driven asset management.