Copper mining company Antofagasta Minerals and ABB, a leader in electrification and automation, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance decarbonisation efforts by electrifying and automating mining operations in Chile. The partnership aims to develop and implement a net-zero emission haulage solution utilising ABB’s expertise and its eMine™ solutions.
The mining sector is addressing the challenge of meeting rising copper demand driven by the energy transition while striving to decarbonise its own operations. Current projections suggest that announced mining projects will only fulfill 70% of the copper demand by 2035 globally. Net-zero emission haul trucks are seen as a crucial solution for large-scale decarbonisation in mining. This partnership between ABB and Antofagasta Minerals is pivotal in advancing electrification and establishing best practices for the industry.
Antofagasta Minerals aims to cut its emissions by 50% by 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, having already reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2 emissions by 928,000 tons. By developing the trolley trial at its Los Pelambres operation, Antofagasta Minerals has significantly contributed to the integration of electrical solutions in mining. The company plans to test battery-powered trucks and trolley assist technologies in the coming years as part of its electrification strategy.
ABB will support Antofagasta Minerals in its decarbonisation goals by providing advanced solutions from its eMine portfolio. The collaboration will involve using ABB’s eMine consultative studies to determine the techno-economic feasibility of an all-electric mine, assess decarbonisation technologies, and evaluate their impact on mine operations, design, and power distribution.
Additionally, recognising the importance of net-zero emission haul trucks in achieving greenhouse gas reduction targets, ABB and Antofagasta Minerals will work together, with other partners, to accelerate the development of these solutions. Antofagasta Minerals will serve as an early adopter and test site for the technology, including ABB’s eMine Trolley System, which can reduce diesel consumption by up to 90% in specific environments, lower energy costs, and minimise environmental impact. This technology not only addresses short-term emissions but also paves the way for future battery technology implementation in the mining industry.
Max Luedtke, Global Business Line Manager Mining, ABB said, “Industry collaboration is vital to achieving the progress needed to reduce the industry’s environmental impact. As one of the industry’s largest copper players, Antofagasta Mineral’s support is invaluable to this pursuit. Combined with ABB’s holistic eMine framework, this is a major step towards achieving the all-electric mine of the future and fuelling decarbonisation efforts. We are fully invested in the collaborative journey to develop further solutions.”