Epiroc says it is advancing a more circular approach to rock drilling tools with its Drill Bit Recycling Program, enabling customers to return end-of-service life drill bits so that valuable materials can be recovered and returned to the production cycle.
Even after a drill bit has reached end-of-service life, it contains valuable materials such as cemented carbide buttons. Through the Epiroc Drill Bit Recycling Program, customers can return complete worn drill bits and receive compensation for them, while supporting more efficient use of critical raw materials.
The program is designed to provide customers with a simple and structured way of managing worn-out drill bits. By recovering and reusing valuable materials, recycling can help reduce the need for virgin raw materials and support customers’ sustainability goals.
“With the Drill Bit Recycling Program, we want to make it easier for our customers to manage worn drill bits while keeping valuable materials in use. It is a practical step toward greater circularity in rock drilling,” said Bengt Ahlund, Project Manager Drill Bit Recycling Program, Epiroc.
Recycling is part of a wider circular approach to the drill bit lifecycle at Epiroc. Service workshops and regrinding services help customers extend drill bit life, while technology development initiatives explore opportunities to reuse valuable carbide inserts and components. Once a drill bit reaches end-of-service life, the recycling program provides a route for material recovery.
The initiative also supports the strategic direction of Epiroc, which identifies recycling, circular economy approaches, responsible resource management and collaboration with customers on circularity among its sustainability priorities.
The company adds that customers interested in participating in the program can contact their local Epiroc Customer Center for information about availability and local arrangements.
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