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Komatsu launches battery-electric drilling and bolting rigs

June 12, 2024

Komatsu has launched its second generation of battery electric drill and bolting equipment, the Z2 line.

The second generation ZB21 is a small-class bolter equipped with a fully enclosed ROPS/FOPS-certified operator cabin, intuitive operator controls, integrated patented screen handling, and drifters manufactured by Montabert. The bolter also introduces an optional Komatsu pumpable resin system using J-LOK P by Jennmar, which allows resin to be pumped into the drilled hole before bolt installation, enabling the use of more economical bolts and reducing overall installed cost.

The second generation ZJ21 jumbo drill is a single-boom development drill featuring a fully enclosed ROPS/FOPS-certified operator cabin, innovative drilling feeds, advanced pilot hydraulics, and drifters manufactured by Montabert.

Komatsu reports that its new products share a common platform, and use smart opportunistic charging designed for seamless integration and compatibility with existing infrastructure. The ZB21 and ZJ21 are the smallest size-class drills and bolters to offer a BEV option and feature a modular battery driveline with 83kWh of onboard energy, designed for demanding tram cycles and the challenges of hard rock mining.

Johan Kempe, Product Director for Underground Drilling at Komatsu, said, “As underground mining operations increasingly shift toward electrification of their fleets, our innovative, battery-powered Z2 jumbo drills and bolters will support that pivotal transition. By integrating into existing infrastructure, we can help enhance productivity while helping to reduce operating costs. The rollout of our second generation Z2-class marks a milestone in our commitment to advancing mining technologies and building upon the proven success of our products to empower the future of mine operators.”