Atlas Copco/Epiroc Pit Viper Drill Rigs at UK Quarries
Various UK Quarries and Mining Operations, UK · Ongoing (Pit Viper series has been in operation for over 25 years) · Not applicable for individual rig deployment; part of multi-million to billion-pound quarry/mining operations.
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchPit Viper drill rigs are a cornerstone of modern quarrying and mining, known for their productivity, flexibility, and safety features, including autonomous operation. While specific UK projects are not detailed in public search results, their widespread use by major operators globally and Epiroc's UK presence indicate their deployment in UK quarries for efficient aggregate and mineral extraction.
Key engineering challenges
Efficient and precise drilling of blastholes for rock excavation. - Operating in demanding quarry environments with varying rock formations. - Enhancing safety through automation and remote operation.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Various quarry and mining operators in the UK (e.g., EPC-UK for other Epiroc rigs)
- Lead contractor
- Not applicable for individual rig deployment.
- Lead designers
- Atlas Copco / Epiroc
- Project type
- new build | upgrade | vehicle/fleet programme
- Scale
- Hole diameter: 171mm to 270mm (PV 271); Single-pass drilling capability; Automation features.
- Disciplines
- mechanical; mining engineering; geotechnical; automation
- Standards & frameworks
- PUWER, LOLER, quarry safety regulations.
Sources: Epiroc.com (https://www.epiroc.com/en-uk/products/drill-rigs/surface-blasthole-drill-rigs/pv-271) - IM-Mining.com (https://im-mining.com/2025/12/19/epirocs-pit-viper-the-past-present-and-future/) - Epiroc.blog (https://epiroc.blog/pit-viper-case-studies) - Epiroc.com (https://www.epiroc.com/en-uk/newsroom/2018/epiroc-flexiroc-d55-surface-drilling-first-uk)