Newmont , the world's leading gold producer, has ordered a fleet of Epiroc Pit Viper 231 and SmartROC D65 drill rigs to be used at the Boddington gold and copper mine in Western Australia. The rigs, which will be operated remotely, will replace an older fleet of Epiroc rigs.
The equipment order is valued at approximately $32.4 million dollars and was booked in the third quarter of 2024. Epiroc will also provide service on the machines.
" We have a long-standing partnership with Newmont, which is at the forefront of advanced mining operations," says Helena Hedblom, president and CEO of Epiroc. " We are happy to support them as they continue to make their operations as safe and productive as possible."
Chris Dark, Newmont's general manager for the Boddington mine, states, "Newmont and Epiroc have a long-term relationship at the Boddington mine. This order recognizes and continues this successful relationship that has enabled the success of Boddington's drilling operations over the life of mine. Together we look forward to unlocking the long-term future of the Boddington mine, which is recognized globally as a world-class gold asset."
The Pit Viper 231 rotary blast hole rig is a flexible workhorse that can be configured in many different ways for a wide range of rotary and DTH (down-the-hole) drilling operations. The efficient SmartROC D65 rig consistently performs high-quality blast holes with precision and accuracy. Both machines are rugged, equipped with intelligent features and are very fuel efficient.
Delivery of the fleet will begin immediately and continue through the first half of 2025.