A big overhaul is coming to the BHP Group’s Escondida mine in northern Chile over the next ten years. Caterpillar announced Finning International will replace the entire fleet of 160 haul trucks with ones powered by electric. The transistion is expcted to be completed by 2032, according to Construction Equipment Magazine.
Escondida is the world’s largest copper producer, according to Caterpillar.
Caterpillar says the new 798 AC electric drive trucks will improve performance, capacity, efficiency, reliability, and safety.
The first trucks are expected to arrive at the mine next year.
Mine operation strategy is to have technology that enables autonomous operation and meet decarbonization goals, through the progressive implementation of zero-emission trucks.
“This agreement…will allow us to generate significant efficiencies at the operational level,” said James Whittaker, president of Escondida, in a prepared statement.
“The Caterpillar team is excited to support the successful deployment of machines and technology that will facilitate a step-function improvement in BHP’s operational excellence,” said Denise Johnson, group president resource industries, Caterpillar, in a statement.
