The COPROD drill string from Epiroc AB - higher penetration rates with hybrid technology
30.06.2026 - 01:33:55 | ad-hoc-news.de
Reviewed: ad hoc news Bestseller & Flagship desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-30, 01:33. Details in the imprint.
The COPROD drill string from Epiroc AB is not the kind of kit you notice on a glossy trade fair stand, but out on a dusty bench it grabs your attention with the sharp metallic rattle as the rod bites into hard rock. Operators feel the rig vibrate less while the bit still chews forward.
How COPROD changes drilling
The COPROD drill string is Epiroc’s hybrid between conventional drill pipes and top hammer rods, designed to increase penetration rates and reduce hole deviation in long blast holes. In everyday work, crews see straighter holes, fewer re-drills and more predictable blasting patterns.
Instead of a thin tube alone, COPROD combines a solid center rod with an outer tube, which allows high-energy percussion from the top hammer to travel down the rod while the tube handles rotation and flushing. The result is less energy loss in joints and more effective transfer right to the bit.
What operators experience on site
On a cold morning shift, a driller like Johan Andersson in an open-pit mine climbs into the cab, lines up his rig and feels the COPROD string engage with a crisp, tidy impact as the first hole starts. Compared with older tube-only systems, the cab is quieter and the feed sounds more consistent.
Because the solid rod guides the bit more rigidly, COPROD tends to hold its direction better over depth, so crews see less doglegging and smoother benches when the blast breaks. That can translate into cleaner muck piles, easier loading and less oversized rock for the crusher downstream.
Background on Epiroc AB shares
COPROD is one of several drilling technologies that help Epiroc AB tie equipment sales to consumables, a key driver for the company’s recurring revenue and margin profile.
Technical idea behind the system
Epiroc’s COPROD concept originated from the practical problem of drilling long, straight blast holes with top hammer rigs without switching to slower down-the-hole systems. The company’s engineers combined a rigid percussion rod with a threaded tube to balance energy transfer and flushing.
In simplified terms, the rod carries the hammer blows, while the tube rotates and delivers air or water to clear cuttings. That separation of duties helps keep impact energy focused on breaking rock instead of being absorbed in connections, which is why operators talk about convincing penetration speed in hard formations.
Where COPROD fits in Epiroc’s lineup
Within Epiroc’s drilling portfolio, COPROD sits between light surface drill strings and heavy down-the-hole systems, targeting large quarries and open pits that need long holes but still want top hammer efficiency. It is typically paired with specific Epiroc rigs designed to handle its weight and string characteristics.
For mine planners, COPROD can be part of a broader optimization strategy: matching bench height, burden and spacing with the achievable hole straightness to control fragmentation and reduce the energy needed in downstream comminution. That operational link is the sort of detail CFO Håkan Folin highlights when explaining Epiroc’s value proposition to analysts.
Limitations and trade-offs
COPROD is not a universal answer for every bench. The hybrid string is heavier and more complex than standard tubes, so it requires rigs with sufficient feed capacity and trained crews who manage the joints carefully during tramming and rod changes.
The initial investment in specialized string components can be higher than classic drill pipes, which means site managers have to weigh the cost against the expected gains in meter-per-hour drilling and reduced deviation. In softer rock or short benches, conventional systems may remain more practical.
Impact on Epiroc AB shares
Net-net, COPROD underpins Epiroc’s strategy of selling both capital equipment and high-value consumables into large mines and quarries, strengthening its installed base and aftermarket revenue. The Epiroc AB share price is primarily driven by demand in mining and infrastructure, with COPROD and similar technologies supporting that long-term narrative on Nasdaq Stockholm (ISIN SE0015658109).
Key data on COPROD drill string
- Product: COPROD drill string
- Manufacturer: Epiroc AB
- Category: Flagship/Bestseller drilling system
- Launch: Long-term portfolio product, refined over multiple generations
- RRP / Price: Project-based pricing in original currency, depending on string configuration and rig
- Availability: Primarily sold into mining and quarrying markets worldwide via Epiroc sales channels
- Target group: Mine and quarry operators using top hammer rigs for long blast holes
- Highlight / USP: Hybrid solid-rod-and-tube design for higher penetration and reduced hole deviation compared with conventional drill tubes.
COPROD drill string on Amazon?
Professional drilling components such as the COPROD drill string are typically sold directly by Epiroc and authorized distributors rather than through consumer platforms.
This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information without guarantee; prices and availability may change at short notice. No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Stock-market transactions involve risks up to total loss.
