From broken rods to predictable production: how Yen Binh Cement cut fuel costs and downtime

"We were looking for a machine that could solve our two biggest headaches: fuel efficiency and productivity. We needed a rig that wouldn't just work harder but work smarter." Pham Van Hien, Equipment Manager, Yen Binh Cement.

Yen Binh Cement operates a remote limestone quarry in Lao Cai, Vietnam, supplying raw material for cement production under tight cost and volume targets. The site is characterized by fractured, variable rock that is tough on drilling tools and hard on equipment. Against this backdrop, every extra liter of diesel and every hour of unplanned downtime directly erodes margins.

For years, the company relied on a mixed fleet that included an Epiroc PowerROC T35 MKI. While the MKI had earned a reputation for solid product quality and reliability, the harsh geology meant frequent rod breakages, inconsistent penetration rates, and rising maintenance costs across the fleet.

The geological conditions in Lao Cai were the root of many operational headaches. Highly fractured limestone led to frequent changes in drilling resistance, which put stress on the drill string and increased the likelihood of rod failures. Broken rods did not only consume tools; they disrupted blasting schedules and caused delays for downstream cement production.

Fuel consumption was another concern. The quarry’s remote location and variable rock meant rigs often ran at higher engine speeds than necessary, driving up diesel use and total cost of ownership.

Maintenance was complicated by difficult access to components and long travel times for technicians and parts.

Retaining skilled operators in such a remote site was also a growing challenge, pushing Yen Binh Cement to look for equipment that was easier to operate, safer, and with lower operator fatigue.

Having built confidence with the PowerROC T35 MKI, Yen Binh Cement viewed Epiroc as a low‑risk partner for a major upgrade. The launch of the new PowerROC T35 MKII, featuring significantly lower fuel consumption and a redesigned operator interface, offered a way to tackle both cost and people challenges at once.

The rig is engineered for high availability, has easier access to main components, is optimized for impact energy transfer and has very low fuel burn per meter drilled.

Key decision factors included:

●       Low fuel consumption, enabled by auto engine speed control and an efficient PowerROC control system that matches engine RPM to real‑time drilling demand.​

●       Higher productivity through improved penetration rates, reduced frequency of maintenance intervals and more stable drilling in fractured ground.

●       Easier and safer operation, with an updated cab offering better visibility, larger touchscreen interface, and automation features.​

●       Easier and lower‑cost maintenance thanks to a redesigned hydraulic layout, better accessibility to the engine, fan, and main control valve, and central automatic lubrication.​

●       Strong after‑sales support, including fast parts availability and remote monitoring via Epiroc’s fleet monitoring solution – Fleet+​

Commissioning of the new rig was supported on site by Epiroc specialists, who focused on both operator training and setting the rig up to cope with the fractured geology of Lao Cai.

According to Operator Nguyen Van Huu “… the upgraded cabin’s intuitive touchscreen, improved visibility, and comfort enable faster adoption and safer operation. Automated drilling and advanced rod handling simplify work, reduce fatigue, and deliver more predictable, reliable drilling for better planning and less downtime.”

Technicians, meanwhile, appreciated the redesign of the hydraulic system, easier access to maintain key components, and an automatic central lubrication system.

Once the PowerROC T35 MKII entered full production, Yen Binh Cement began to see tangible performance improvements within the first week of operation.

According to Equipment Manager: Pham Van Hien “… Fuel consumption per meter fell by about 30 percent compared with the previous generation rig, translating into monthly savings of roughly 2,200 dollars (USD) at typical production volumes. Higher and more consistent penetration rates shortened drilling cycles and made blasting schedules more predictable. Fewer broken rods meant less unplanned downtime.”

Becoming the first owner of a PowerROC T35 MKII in Vietnam has positioned Yen Binh Cement as a pioneer. The new drill rig has provided Yen Binh Cement with a platform for future growth, combining lower operating costs, higher productivity, and better safety.

The Lao Cai experience demonstrates how the right rig, backed by responsive support and actionable data, can transform a demanding location into a predictable and profitable operation. For Yen Binh Cement, the move from broken rods and volatile costs to stable, predictable production started with a clear decision: upgrade to a rig designed to power up productivity while driving fuel consumption down.