Antofagasta Minerals has teamed up with ABB by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to speed up its efforts to decarbonise by electrifying and automating its mining operations in Chile. The MoU is hoping to reach a net zero point by using both ABB’s expertise in the matter as well as eMine solutions.
The mining industry is attempting to simultaneously supply enough copper to fit the demand created by the energy transition whilst also decarbonising its processes, however mines are only expected to reach 70% of copper requirements by 2035. The collaboration between ABB and Antofagasta Minerals has identified net zero emissions haul trucks as being key in its efforts to achieve its goals of net zero emissions.
Antofagasta Minerals is aiming to cut its emissions in half by 2035, aiming for full carbon neutrality by 2050. The company has already managed to cut emissions by 982,000 tonnes. At its Los Pelambres operation, the experimentation of a trolly trial system has shown it is at the forefront of electrical solutions for mining ecosystems. Electrical solutions could help massively in haulage processes, this is why the company will be testing battery-powered trucks and trolley assist technologies in the coming years.
ABB is supplying advanced technologies from its eMine portfolio to help Antofagasta Minerals with its aim of becoming net zero. The eMine portfolio contains studies regarding techno-economic optimum for the all-electric mine, evaluations of decarbonisation technologies as well as power distribution and impact on mine operations. This information can lead to faster breakthroughs in the industry.
Max Luedtke, Global Business Line Manager Mining at ABB, said: “Our shared vision in achieving more sustainable processes and operations in the mining industry drives us to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible. 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.”
Third parties may also be brought into the process in this collaboration, with an aim to speed up the process of net zero emissions. Antofagasta will use its facilities to test sites for technologies that ABB has developed and has already committed to using ABB’s eMine Trolley system. The system can reduce emissions by up to 90% in certain environments whilst also lowering energy costs. This opens the door to using battery technology in the mining industry long term.