[NASHWAUK, MN] – Mesabi Metallics Company LLC (Mesabi Metallics) announced today the purchase of fully electric Pit Viper 351 E drills from Epiroc, a global leader of mining and infrastructure equipment, acquired through its partnership with Road Machinery & Supplies Co. (RMS), a Minnesota-based equipment distributor with offices in Virginia, Minnesota. This investment marks a critical step forward in advancing safety, sustainability and operational readiness at Mesabi Metallics’ $2.4 billion taconite iron ore mining and processing facility located in Nashwauk, Minnesota.
“We’re not building Mesabi for yesterday’s mining industry—we’re building it to lead the future. That requires investing in cutting-edge technology, partnering with industry leaders and utilizing world-class equipment, and these new Epiroc drills are a clear example of that commitment,” said Joe Broking, President and CEO of Mesabi Metallics. “What’s more, investments like these translate directly into jobs. Mesabi is positioned to begin hiring mining operators this spring and deliver long-term, family-supporting careers for the Iron Range.”
The state-of-the-art Pit Viper 351 drills are fully electric, significantly reducing emissions and furthering Mesabi Metallics’ commitment to sustainable mining practices. The drills will also be equipped with single-row autonomous capabilities, which Mesabi plans to implement in the future as part of its broader technology roadmap.
“Investing in fully electric, autonomous-ready equipment is a critical part of how we’re building a safer and more sustainable operation,” continued Broking. “Automation has the potential to significantly improve on-site safety while also increasing efficiency and reducing our environmental footprint.”
The addition of the new Pit Viper 351 E drill rigs makes Mesabi Metallics’ drill fleet entirely Epiroc equipment. Epiroc is globally recognized for its world-class drilling technology, reliability and innovation in mining equipment.
“Mesabi Metallics is building a modern, forward-looking operation, and we’re proud to support that vision with the Pit Viper 351 E,” said Matthew Inge, VP & Business Line Manager for Drilling Solutions at Epiroc. “By combining electrification with technology that is ready for full autonomy, these drills deliver exceptional performance while significantly reducing emissions and enabling safer, more sustainable and responsible mining operations.”
The purchase of Epiroc drills is also a continuation of Mesabi Metallics’ successful partnership with RMS. In July 2025, Mesabi Metallics announced the purchase of $110 million of mining equipment through RMS.
“We truly appreciate Mesabi Metallics’ confidence in RMS and in our ability to support these machines with the parts, service and technical expertise that keep operations running,” said Michael Sill II, CEO of Road Machinery & Supplies Co. “Investments like this create meaningful opportunity on the Iron Range, and we’re excited about the long-term impact this project will have on our communities and the future of mining in Minnesota.”
The first fully electric Pit Viper 351 E drill is expected to arrive on site in the summer of 2026, with further equipment deliveries planned for the first quarter of 2027.
