Komatsu’s electric ZB21 jumbo drill. (Image: Komatsu)

The ZB21 and ZJ21 are the smallest size-class drills and bolters to offer a batter-electric vehicle option, said Komatsu.

“[They] feature a modular battery driveline with 83 kWh of onboard energy designed for demanding tram cycles and the challenges of hard rock mining,� added the company.

The ZJ21 jumbo drill is a single-boom development drill with a fully enclosed operator cabin, drilling feeds, pilot hydraulics, and drifters manufactured by France-based Montabert, a subsidiary of Komatsu.

Montabert also produced the drifters for the ZB21 bolter, which includes Komatsu’s optional pumpable resin system attachment that uses a two-part resin from US-based Jennmar.

“Both product lines now include battery-electric versions featuring Komatsu’s innovative approach to BEV with onboard, smart, opportunistic charging and designed for seamless integration and compatibility with existing mine infrastructure,� said Komastsu.

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.�