ABB and Antofagasta Minerals have entered into a strategic partnership to speed up decarbonization efforts in Chile’s mining industry by advancing electrification and automation. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to develop and implement a net zero emission haulage solution, leveraging ABB’s innovative eMine™ technologies.

The mining sector is under pressure to meet the rising global demand for copper, fueled by the energy transition, while also addressing the need to decarbonize its operations. With current projections indicating that only 70% of the copper required by 2035 will be met by existing projects, there is a critical need for sustainable solutions. Electrifying haulage trucks is seen as a crucial step in achieving significant emissions reductions across the mining industry. This partnership between ABB and Antofagasta Minerals represents a pivotal move towards embracing electrification in mining and establishing industry-wide best practices.

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Antofagasta Minerals, guided by its mission to “develop mining for a better future,” is leading the charge in decarbonization efforts. The company is committed to cutting its emissions by 50% by 2035 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, having already reduced its Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2 emissions by 928,000 tons. Through initiatives like the trolley trial at its Los Pelambres operation, Antofagasta Minerals is pioneering the integration of electrical solutions within the mining ecosystem. The company plans to explore battery-powered trucks and trolley assist technologies over the coming years as part of its strategy to reduce haulage emissions.

ABB is playing a key role in supporting Antofagasta Minerals’ decarbonization strategy by providing cutting-edge technology from its eMine portfolio. The collaboration will involve ABB conducting eMine consultative studies to identify the techno-economic optimal solutions for an all-electric mine, assessing the impact of decarbonization technologies on mine operations, design, and power distribution.

Recognizing the importance of net zero emission haul trucks in meeting global greenhouse gas reduction targets, ABB and Antofagasta Minerals will work together, alongside other partners, to fast-track the development of these critical solutions. Antofagasta Minerals will serve as an early adopter and testing ground for ABB’s eMine Trolley System, which has the potential to reduce diesel consumption by up to 90% in certain conditions while lowering energy costs and minimizing environmental impact. This technology not only offers immediate emission reductions but also sets the stage for future advancements in battery technology within the mining industry.

“Our joint commitment to creating more sustainable processes in mining is what drives us to push the boundaries of innovation,” said Max Luedtke, Global Business Line Manager Mining at ABB. “Collaboration within the industry is essential to achieving the necessary progress in reducing environmental impact. With Antofagasta Minerals being one of the largest copper producers, their partnership is crucial in this endeavor. Combined with ABB’s comprehensive eMine framework, we are taking a significant step towards realizing the all-electric mine of the future and advancing decarbonization efforts. We are fully dedicated to this collaborative journey to develop further solutions.”

ABB’s Process Automation division focuses on automating, electrifying, and digitalizing industrial operations to address essential needs such as energy, water, and material supply. With approximately 20,000 employees and a wealth of technological and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps customers in various industries enhance performance and safety, contributing to a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.

ABB is a global leader in electrification and automation, driving innovations that promote a sustainable and resource-efficient future. With over 140 years of experience and more than 105,000 employees worldwide, ABB is committed to leading the industrial transformation through cutting-edge technologies.

Antofagasta Minerals, a subsidiary of the London-listed Antofagasta plc, is one of the world’s foremost copper producers. The company is actively engaged in exploration, primarily in Chile, where it owns and operates four copper mines, as well as in other regions across the Americas.

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