ROCK TOOLS standards. P & V believe sustainability comes from using quality products that last; and we believe rock drilling consumables should be tailored to the drilling conditions in each mine. Using our flexible manufacturing process and worldwide technical support, we can offer a consumable solution to best suit your mine.” It continued:“ In collaboration with our global supply network we’ ve developed a more durable steel to reduce body wash in abrasive ground. This has allowed us to optimise the placement of tips closer to the flushing channels, allowing the most efficient chip removal possible. Our trademarked Ninja design & manufacturing processes follow the P & V mentality of quality over quantity. This mentality allows our customers to consume less, creating a more sustainable drilling process.”
Epiroc launches next-generation PCD drill bits
Epiroc has unveiled its next-generation PCD( polycrystalline diamond) drill bits which it says are designed to deliver exceptional wear resistance and longer service life. The new bits are optimised for high-precision drilling in abrasive ground conditions. The new Epiroc PCD drill bits are available to order globally from Epiroc Customer Centres.
It says that the new Epiroc PCD drill bits are the result of extensive R & D and testing in collaboration with key customers across multiple continents.“ With a unique diamondprotected cutting structure and reinforced body design, the bits offer a step-change in service life compared to conventional carbide bits- significantly reducing bit changes, downtime, and total drilling cost.” The company adds:“ By building inhouse capability through extensive R & D, we ensure full control over cost, quality, and innovation. This approach allows us to deliver truly differentiated products, lead the market with exclusive solutions, and support our customers with technology that is future-proof and aligned with our longterm vision. It’ s not just about performance today; it’ s about securing productivity and sustainability for tomorrow.”
“ This launch is a major step forward in our mission to drive the productivity and sustainability transformation in our industry,” says Bahadir Ergener, Global Business Manager at Epiroc Tools division.“ By extending tool life and improving drilling accuracy, our new Epiroc PCD bits help customers drill smarter, safer, and more efficiently.”
The new bits are compatible with a wide range of Epiroc drilling rigs and are available in multiple sizes and configurations to suit various applications in surface mining, underground development, and
The new Epiroc range of PCD drill bits
construction drilling.“ As the mining and construction industries face increasing pressure to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact, the new PCD technology from Epiroc supports this shift by enabling longer drilling intervals, fewer tool replacements, and reduced waste.”
Fewer bit changes not only reduce waste and downtime – they also contribute to live work elimination, helping operators avoid unnecessary exposure to highrisk environments and reinforcing our commitment to safety and sustainable productivity.“ This is not just a product upgrade – it’ s a performance leap and, in my view, the beginning of a technology shift in the percussive rock drilling industry,” says Fredrik Ternström, Marketing Communication Manager at Epiroc Tools division.“ Our customers can expect more metres drilled per bit, better hole quality, and lower total cost of ownership.”
Robit’ s H Series welcomes Marathon
Robit’ s H Series hammers, introduced to provide modularity and efficiency in demanding drilling environments, now have a new high-performance variant: the
H Marathon Series. Developed under the Robit R & D team, the Marathon is designed to significantly improve wear life and reduce operating costs in Down the Hole drilling.
The core innovation of the Marathon line focuses on strengthening the hammer’ s most wear-prone components – the drive chuck and wear sleeve – using advanced materials and coating technologies. The result is a hammer that can be used for a longer period before reaching its wear limit. Tests show the Marathon hammers outperform both standard H Series hammers and competitor tools in terms of wear life. Depending on application and conditions, improvements ranged from + 15 % to + 67 %.
Field validation was an essential part of the development process. In South Africa, Brauteseth Blasting tested the H6 Marathon at the Phalaborwa phosphate mine. The hammer completed its whole lifespan with a single chuck, whereas a standard model would typically need two. Wear was distributed more evenly, resulting in reduced downtime for maintenance and replacement.
In Finland, further testing focused on well drilling in hard granite using 4” H4 hammers. The Marathon hammers drilled beyond 300 metres and showed 33 – 35 % longer wear life than standard versions. The tests confirmed a more consistent wear pattern and improved durability, especially when used with specific top subs and bit configurations. PTA( Plasma Transferred Arc) coated chucks also helped reduce casing wear – a common failure point in conventional designs.
The H Marathon Series hammers have been rolling out in various configurations throughout 2025. With their extended wear life and proven field performance, they are reinforcing Robit’ s commitment to continuous innovation and practical durability in DTH drilling.
The Robit H Series hammer line has been in development for several years, with end-user customers conducting validation trial drillings- the H Marathon is the highest performance variant and was tested at locations including the Phalaborwa phosphate mine in South Africa
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