Pucobre partners with Sandvik for autonomous loaders in Chile
Chilean copper miner Sociedad Punta del Cobre S.A (Pucobre) has selected Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions to supply a fleet of six Toro™ LH621i autonomous loaders equipped with AutoMine® Multi-Lite for its mining operations in northern Chile’s Atacama region.
Pucobre is among Chile’s largest underground copper miners, producing approximately 38,000 metric tons of fine copper annually from its three mines near the northern city of Copiapó.
“We’re consistently exploring and implementing technologies that can enhance safety and productivity in our mines,” said Sebastian Rios, Chief Executive Officer at Pucobre. “We have an ambitious goal to automate 75 percent of our stope operations, and this is a major milestone in that journey.”
Sandvik will supply the order in two phases. During 2023, Pucobre will receive four Toro™ LH621i loaders and the remaining two in 2024.
“We are pleased to support Pucobre in improving the safety, productivity and reliability of its mine operations with the deployment of our autonomous loaders,” said Ricardo Pachon, Vice President, Sales South Cone and Andean at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “We look forward to working with Pucobre as it continues on its automation journey.”
Toro™ LH621i loaders feature a 21-tonne payload capacity. The loaders’ reliability, robust structure and Sandvik Intelligent Control System enable the use of highly advanced digital solutions, such as AutoMine®. Toro™ LH621i offers superior hydraulic power for fast bucket filling and drivetrain power for high ramp speeds and can quickly clear tunnel headings for rapid advance rates. Long-life components, specifically developed for the rough underground environment, contribute to low cost per ton.
AutoMine® Multi-Lite system is a highly advanced automation system that enables system operators to remotely and simultaneously supervise multiple automated Sandvik underground loaders and trucks. It provides a powerful way to take advantage of the full machine performance, and helps improve productivity, safety and cost efficiency in underground mining operations.
Tampere, Finland, June 30, 2023
For more information, please contact:
Joao Araujo
Business Line Manager Equipment, Load and Haul
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Email: joao.araujo@sandvik.com
Emilio Vega
Business Line Manager, Digital Mining Technologies, Business Unit Automation
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Email: emilio.vega@sandvik.com
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Sandvik Group
Sandvik is a global, high-tech engineering group providing solutions that enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability for the manufacturing, mining and infrastructure industries. We are at the forefront of digitalization and focus on optimizing our customers’ processes. Our world-leading offering includes equipment, tools, services and digital solutions for machining, mining, rock excavation and rock processing. In 2022 the Group had approximately 40,000 employees and revenues of about 112 billion SEK in about 150 countries within continuing operations.
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a global leading supplier of equipment and tools, parts, service, digital solutions and sustainability-driving technologies for the mining and construction industries. Application areas include rock drilling, rock cutting, loading and hauling, tunneling and quarrying. In 2022, sales were approximately 57 billion SEK with about 16,200 employees.