Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Size and Outlook 2031

Report Description

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 3.77 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.18%
Fastest Growing Segment	Quarries
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 4.82 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market will grow from USD 3.77 Billion in 2025 to USD 4.82 Billion by 2031 at a 4.18% CAGR. The Global Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market comprises heavy-duty machinery designed to drill vertical or inclined holes into rock formations for the placement of explosives in surface mining operations. The primary drivers supporting market growth are the enduring global demand for essential minerals and base metals required for infrastructure development and energy transition projects, which necessitates consistent open-pit mining activity. Distinct from temporary technological trends, these fundamental economic factors ensure steady equipment utilization rates. According to the International Copper Study Group, in 2025, world copper mine production is expected to grow by 1.4%, indicating a sustained requirement for extraction capabilities that directly supports the demand for drilling rigs.

However, a significant challenge that could impede market expansion is the increasing stringency of environmental regulations regarding dust and noise emissions. Compliance with these rigorous standards forces manufacturers to incur higher research and development costs to engineer compliant machinery, which subsequently raises capital expenditure requirements for mining operators. This regulatory pressure may delay fleet renewal decisions and constrain overall market volume despite the underlying demand for commodities.

Key Market Drivers

The expansion of global mining and mineral exploration activities acts as the primary catalyst for the Global Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market, driven by the intensifying search for critical minerals essential to green energy technologies. As mining operators push deeper into remote locations to secure lithium, cobalt, and copper, the requirement for high-capacity drilling machinery capable of penetrating hard rock formations increases. This demand is quantitatively supported by investment trends in the sector. According to the International Energy Agency, May 2024, in the 'Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2024', investment in critical minerals mining grew by 10% in 2023, reflecting a robust capital flow that directly enables the procurement of heavy extraction equipment.

Concurrently, the integration of advanced automation and IoT technologies is reshaping fleet requirements, prompting operators to replace legacy units with smart systems that offer higher precision and safety. Automated rigs minimize human exposure to hazardous environments and utilize data analytics to optimize blast patterns, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and lowering costs. This technological shift is fueling manufacturer order books as mining companies upgrade their assets. According to Epiroc, October 2024, in the 'Interim Report Q3 2024', orders received increased by 8% to MSEK 15,520, driven by strong demand from mining customers for advanced equipment. This equipment uptake is further sustained by high production levels across the commodities sector. According to the World Gold Council, in 2024, total gold mine production rose by 6% year-on-year in the third quarter, confirming the continuous operational need for blasthole drilling solutions.

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Key Market Challenges

The increasing stringency of environmental regulations regarding dust and noise emissions constitutes a substantial hurdle for the Global Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market. Manufacturers are compelled to channel significant capital into research and development to engineer rigs that meet these rigorous decibel and particulate matter standards. This redirection of resources inflates the unit cost of drilling machinery, thereby imposing a steeper financial burden on mining operators during procurement.

This elevated capital expenditure requirement frequently necessitates the postponement of fleet renewal programs. When regulatory compliance absorbs a disproportionate share of operational budgets, mining companies are forced to extend the service life of existing equipment rather than investing in new, compliant models. This hesitation directly constrains market volume. According to the National Mining Association, in 2024, the complex regulatory environment in the United States contributed to an average mine development timeline of nearly 30 years. Such protracted delays in project commissioning, driven by compliance complexities, further dampen the immediate demand for new drilling rigs, hampering overall market growth.

Key Market Trends

The Transition to Battery-Electric and Zero-Emission Drilling Systems represents a fundamental technological shift in the market, driven by the industry-wide imperative to decarbonize surface mining operations and eliminate diesel particulate matter. This trend entails the replacement of traditional diesel-hydraulic powertrains with advanced electric architectures, including cable-tethered and battery-powered variants, which significantly reduce the carbon intensity of blasthole drilling. Manufacturers are accelerating the commercial deployment of these low-carbon rigs to align with the stringent net-zero environmental commitments of major global mining houses. According to Global Mining Review, October 2024, in the article 'Epiroc hands over electric blasthole drill rig to Fortescue', Epiroc delivered Australia’s first electric-driven Pit Viper 271 E to Fortescue, establishing a new benchmark for the adoption of zero-emission drilling technology in the Pilbara iron ore region.

Simultaneously, the Integration of Artificial Intelligence for Predictive Maintenance is revolutionizing asset management strategies by moving fleet operations from reactive repairs to data-driven proactive interventions. Advanced algorithms now analyze real-time telematics from rig sensors to detect subtle anomalies in hydraulic pressure, engine performance, and vibration patterns, allowing operators to preemptively address component failures before they result in costly stoppages. This capability is critical for maximizing equipment availability and optimizing the total cost of ownership in capital-intensive mining projects. According to Mining Digital, October 2024, in the article 'Predictive Maintenance Reshaping Mining Operations', Anglo American successfully reduced unplanned downtime by up to 75% across select global operations by implementing an AI-enabled predictive maintenance system, demonstrating the substantial efficiency gains achievable through digital asset monitoring.

Segmental Insights

The Quarries segment is currently positioned as the fastest-growing category within the Global Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market, driven by the intensifying global demand for crushed stone and construction aggregates. This surge is directly attributed to extensive infrastructure development and urbanization projects occurring in emerging economies. As nations prioritize the expansion of transportation networks and residential complexes, the requirement for raw materials like limestone and granite has intensified. This economic pressure compels operators to utilize rotary blasthole drilling rigs to ensure consistent extraction rates, thereby establishing the quarrying sector as a primary catalyst for market expansion.

Regional Insights

North America commands the Global Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market, driven by extensive mining activities across the United States and Canada. The region benefits from large-scale extraction projects for essential minerals such as coal, copper, and gold. This leadership is further supported by the local presence of prominent original equipment manufacturers, enabling early access to modern automated drilling technologies. Moreover, rigorous safety regulations from bodies like the Mine Safety and Health Administration necessitate the use of reliable, compliant machinery. Consequently, strong industrial demand and regulatory adherence sustain North America's status as the leading regional market.

Recent Developments

In January 2025, Epiroc announced that it had secured a significant order from BHP for a fleet of autonomous Pit Viper 271 blasthole drill rigs. The equipment was selected for use at BHP's iron ore operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia to replace an older fleet. The order, valued at approximately SEK 200 million (USD 18 million), underscored the continued demand for automated drilling solutions to improve efficiency and safety. The rigs are expected to be operated remotely from an integrated operations center located more than 1,000 kilometers away, continuing the company's support of autonomous surface mining.
In July 2024, Caterpillar and Thiess celebrated a major autonomous drilling milestone at the Mt Arthur South mine in New South Wales, Australia. The companies announced that they had successfully drilled over one million meters using Caterpillar’s MineStar Command for drilling technology. This achievement involved the operation of three Cat rotary blasthole drills, including one MD6250 and two MD6310 rigs, which were controlled remotely. The collaboration highlighted the growing effectiveness of autonomous drilling solutions in enhancing operational consistency, utilization, and safety in large-scale surface mining environments, demonstrating the value of their long-term technology partnership.
In June 2024, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions introduced the Sandvik DR416iE, an electric version of its largest intelligent rotary blasthole drill. This new rig was designed to deliver high-capacity drilling in hard rock environments such as iron ore and copper mines, offering a hole diameter range of 270 to 406 millimeters. The company stated that the electric drill provides a seamless transition for customers moving from diesel to electric operations, featuring a 1,044-kilowatt power group and a soft starter system to minimize impact on the mine’s electrical grid while enhancing sustainability and drilling performance.
In January 2024, Epiroc launched three new electric-drive versions of its Pit Viper blasthole drill rigs, specifically the Pit Viper 271 XC E, Pit Viper 275 XC E, and Pit Viper 291 E. These machines were introduced as part of the company’s Smart and Green Series, designed to provide zero exhaust emissions and a reduced carbon footprint while maintaining the productivity of their diesel counterparts. The launch marked a significant milestone as it enabled the company to offer electric alternatives for its entire Pit Viper range, supporting the mining industry’s transition toward decarbonized and sustainable surface drilling operations.

Key Market Players

Bauer AG
Caterpillar Inc.
Epiroc AB
Komatsu Ltd.
Liebherr Group
Nanchang Kamach Mining Co. Ltd.
Schramm Inc.
Sunward Intelligent Equipment Co. Ltd.

By Type	By Application	By Region
Large-range Drilling Rig	Quarries Open-Pit Mining and Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market, By Type:

Large-range Drilling Rig

Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market, By Application:

Quarries
Open-Pit Mining
and Others

Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market, By Region:

North America

United States
Canada
Mexico

Europe

France
United Kingdom
Italy
Germany
Spain

Asia Pacific

China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea

South America

Brazil
Argentina
Colombia

Middle East & Africa

South Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]

Table of content

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition

1.2. Scope of the Market

1.2.1. Markets Covered

1.2.2. Years Considered for Study

1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study

2.2. Baseline Methodology

2.3. Key Industry Partners

2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources

2.5. Forecasting Methodology

2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation

2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market

3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations

3.3. Overview of Key Market Players

3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries

3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast

5.1.1. By Value

5.2. Market Share & Forecast

5.2.1. By Type (Large-range Drilling Rig)

5.2.2. By Application (Quarries, Open-Pit Mining, and Others)

5.2.3. By Region

5.2.4. By Company (2025)

5.3. Market Map

6. North America Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.1.1. By Value

6.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.2.1. By Type

6.2.2. By Application

6.2.3. By Country

6.3. North America: Country Analysis

6.3.1. United States Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.1.1.1. By Value

6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.1.2.1. By Type

6.3.1.2.2. By Application

6.3.2. Canada Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.2.1.1. By Value

6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.2.2.1. By Type

6.3.2.2.2. By Application

6.3.3. Mexico Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.3.1.1. By Value

6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.3.2.1. By Type

6.3.3.2.2. By Application

7. Europe Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.1.1. By Value

7.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.2.1. By Type

7.2.2. By Application

7.2.3. By Country

7.3. Europe: Country Analysis

7.3.1. Germany Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.1.1.1. By Value

7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.1.2.1. By Type

7.3.1.2.2. By Application

7.3.2. France Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.2.1.1. By Value

7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.2.2.1. By Type

7.3.2.2.2. By Application

7.3.3. United Kingdom Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.3.1.1. By Value

7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.3.2.1. By Type

7.3.3.2.2. By Application

7.3.4. Italy Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.4.1.1. By Value

7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.4.2.1. By Type

7.3.4.2.2. By Application

7.3.5. Spain Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.5.1.1. By Value

7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.5.2.1. By Type

7.3.5.2.2. By Application

8. Asia Pacific Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.1.1. By Value

8.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.2.1. By Type

8.2.2. By Application

8.2.3. By Country

8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis

8.3.1. China Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.1.1.1. By Value

8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.1.2.1. By Type

8.3.1.2.2. By Application

8.3.2. India Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.2.1.1. By Value

8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.2.2.1. By Type

8.3.2.2.2. By Application

8.3.3. Japan Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.3.1.1. By Value

8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.3.2.1. By Type

8.3.3.2.2. By Application

8.3.4. South Korea Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.4.1.1. By Value

8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.4.2.1. By Type

8.3.4.2.2. By Application

8.3.5. Australia Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.5.1.1. By Value

8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.5.2.1. By Type

8.3.5.2.2. By Application

9. Middle East & Africa Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.1.1. By Value

9.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.2.1. By Type

9.2.2. By Application

9.2.3. By Country

9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis

9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.1.1.1. By Value

9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.1.2.1. By Type

9.3.1.2.2. By Application

9.3.2. UAE Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.2.1.1. By Value

9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.2.2.1. By Type

9.3.2.2.2. By Application

9.3.3. South Africa Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.3.1.1. By Value

9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.3.2.1. By Type

9.3.3.2.2. By Application

10. South America Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.1.1. By Value

10.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.2.1. By Type

10.2.2. By Application

10.2.3. By Country

10.3. South America: Country Analysis

10.3.1. Brazil Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.1.1.1. By Value

10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.1.2.1. By Type

10.3.1.2.2. By Application

10.3.2. Colombia Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.2.1.1. By Value

10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.2.2.1. By Type

10.3.2.2.2. By Application

10.3.3. Argentina Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market Outlook

10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.3.1.1. By Value

10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.3.2.1. By Type

10.3.3.2.2. By Application

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers

11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)

12.2. Product Launches (If Any)

12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Rotary Blasthole Drilling Rig Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry

14.2. Potential of New Entrants

14.3. Power of Suppliers

14.4. Power of Customers

14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. Bauer AG

15.1.1. Business Overview

15.1.2. Products & Services

15.1.3. Recent Developments

15.1.4. Key Personnel

15.1.5. SWOT Analysis

15.2. Caterpillar Inc.

15.3. Epiroc AB

15.4. Komatsu Ltd.

15.5. Liebherr Group

15.6. Nanchang Kamach Mining Co. Ltd.

15.7. Schramm Inc.

15.8. Sunward Intelligent Equipment Co. Ltd.

16. Strategic Recommendations

17. About Us & Disclaimer

Report Description

Table of content

Figures and Tables

Frequently asked questions

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