Epiroc Launches Drill Bit Recycling Programme

Epiroc has introduced a drill bit recycling programme that allows mining customers to return worn-out drilling tools for compensation, helping recover valuable materials for reuse in manufacturing.

Announced on 28 October 2026, the programme provides a way for mining companies to manage drill bits that have reached the end of their service life while reducing demand for virgin raw materials.

Even after a drill bit can no longer be used for drilling, it retains valuable materials, including cemented carbide used in its buttons. These components contain critical raw materials such as tungsten and cobalt, which are important in manufacturing rock-drilling tools.

Under the programme, customers can return complete, end-of-life drill bits and receive compensation. Epiroc aims to recover the materials and return them to the production cycle, reducing waste and making better use of resources already extracted and processed.

The company has not specified a standard compensation rate. Customers interested in participating must contact their local Epiroc Customer Center to confirm availability and arrangements in their market.

Recycling Complements Existing Services

The new programme extends Epiroc's existing approach to managing the lifecycle of drilling tools. The company already offers servicing and regrinding to help customers extend the working life of drill bits before they need replacement.

Once a bit reaches the end of its useful life, recycling provides another route for recovering its materials. Epiroc is also exploring opportunities to reuse valuable carbide inserts and other components.

For mining operations, this approach offers a way to manage worn drilling consumables while supporting resource-efficiency and sustainability objectives. Recovering materials such as tungsten and cobalt can also help reduce reliance on newly mined resources, although the programme's overall environmental impact will depend on collection, processing and material recovery.

A Focus on Critical Raw Materials

The initiative forms part of Epiroc's broader circular-economy strategy, which includes recycling, responsible resource management and extending the useful life of equipment and components.

The company has previously reported using recycled carbide powder from used products in its cemented carbide production. Its 2025 Annual and Sustainability Report also describes efforts to collect used drilling tools from mining customers and work with local and regional recyclers to recover materials.

The programme gives customers a formal route to return complete worn drill bits rather than treating them solely as end-of-life waste.

Epiroc's Project Manager for the Drill Bit Recycling Program, Bengt Ahlund, said the initiative is intended to make it easier for customers to manage worn drilling tools while keeping valuable materials in use.