By using the LHD model developed by Komatsu, Chile’s El Teniente mine aims to increase its productivity by between 10% and 20%.
A hybrid mining truck will make its international debut at the El Teniente mine of Chile’s state-owned Codelco, the world’s largest copper producer.
By using the LHD model developed by Komatsu, the mine aims to increase its productivity by between 10% and 20%.
“It will be used industrially for the first time at Codelco El Teniente before beginning to be marketed to the rest of the industry internationally,” the company reported.
The truck operates using exclusively electricity, although the power it requires is generated by a diesel engine, and is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 25%.
The innovation is a further step in Codelco’s efforts to improve productivity at a time when it is progressing with an ambitious investment plan to counteract the decline in ore grades at its mines.
The LHD truck is expected to mean a 30% reduction in costs. El Teniente anticipates the incorporation of a second truck as well as an electric elevator for the use of workers within the mine and electric buses for the transport of personnel.
“Codelco has decided to move forward and extend this type of technology to buses, vehicles and support and production equipment and will incorporate it in its operations as the offer grows and meets requirements,” indicated a company memo.
To find out more about electromobility and mining investment opportunities in Chile, see this article.
Source: Forbes