For the past four consecutive MINExpo shows, Atlas Copco has raised the bar in blasthole drilling and launched a new model Pit Viper each year. This year, the fifth consecutive show, is no different and showed why Atlas Copco continues to be the leader in blasthole drilling innovation. Debuted at MINExpo 2016 was the next Pit Viper in Atlas Copco's wide range of surface blasthole drilling products. Building off the successful PV-230 Series, which is operating in over 15 major mining markets, Atlas Copco introduced the Pit Viper 231.
The PV-231 builds upon the innovation and proven success of the PV-235, while maintaining the highest levels of productivity and reliability. Growing Atlas Copco’s single pass offering, the drill will bolster a 53 ft. (16.2 m) clean hole, single pass tower on a rugged engineered mainframe capable of drilling a hole between 6-3/4 in. and 9-7/8 in. (171–250 mm). One customer base specifically looking to get as much value out of a single pass surface drill is the gold market. Atlas Copco has worked together with many gold mining companies to make the drilling process more productive and efficient with the PV-231.
The drill at MINExpo showcases the latest in Atlas Copco technology, while focusing on ways to reduce the total operating costs with features such as the Atlas Copco patented hydraulic wet clutch and its latest version of Autodrill. From end to end, it is easy to see why this drill will be the next great producer in the Atlas Copco Pit Viper stable.
