Epiroc Pit Viper Drill Rigs in UK Quarries
Various large quarries and mining operations across the UK · Ongoing (Pit Viper series introduced over 25 years ago, continuous deployment and upgrades)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchEpiroc Pit Viper drill rigs are a cornerstone of modern quarrying and mining in the UK, providing efficient and precise drilling for blasting operations. Their advanced features, including potential for autonomous operation, contribute significantly to improved safety, productivity, and cost-effectiveness in material extraction. The continuous deployment and evolution of these rigs underscore their critical role in supplying raw materials for the construction and industrial sectors.
Key engineering challenges
Achieving high precision and efficiency in blasthole drilling for rock fragmentation. - Operating in challenging geological conditions and harsh quarry environments. - Integrating automation and teleremote capabilities to enhance safety and productivity.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Major quarry and mining companies in the UK (e.g., Aggregate Industries, Hanson UK, Tarmac)
- Lead contractor
- Not applicable (owned and operated by quarry/mining companies)
- Lead designers
- Epiroc (formerly Atlas Copco)
- Project type
- vehicle/fleet programme
- Scale
- Hole diameter range 171mm to 270mm (6-3/4” to 10-5/8”); models like PV-271, PV-275, PV-231; capable of autonomous operation.
- Disciplines
- mechanical; mining engineering; civil; automation
- Standards & frameworks
- Mining and quarry safety regulations (e.g., Quarries Regulations 1999), environmental regulations.
Sources: Epiroc.com (https://www.epiroc.com/en-uk/products/drill-rigs/surface-blasthole-drill-rigs/pv-271) - IM Mining (https://im-mining.com/2025/12/19/epirocs-pit-viper-the-past-present-and-future/) - Epiroc Group (https://www.epirocgroup.com/en/media/corporate-press-releases/2025/20251022-epiroc-s-ground-breaking-drill-rig-pit-viper-celebrates-25-years-including-a-decade-with-autonomous-operations)