Antofagasta Minerals and ABB have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate decarbonization initiatives by electrifying and automating mining operations in Chile. The collaboration aims to develop and implement a net zero emission haulage solution by leveraging ABB’s expertise as well as its eMine™ solutions.

The mining industry is striving to close the gap in demand for copper driven by the energy transition, while simultaneously wrangling the challenge of decarbonizing their own operations. Currently, anticipated mine supply from announced projects is expected to meet only 70 percent of copper requirements by 2035[1]. Net zero emission haul trucks have been identified as a key solution for achieving large scale decarbonization for mines around the world. This collaboration between ABB and Antofagasta Minerals represents a significant step toward advancing the adoption of electrification in mining and defining best practice for the industry.

Under its purpose to “develop mining for a better future”, Antofagasta Minerals is at the forefront of decarbonization. It is working towards reducing its emissions by 50 percent by 2035 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, having already reduced its Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon dioxide emissions by 928,000 tons[2]. Through the development of the trolley trial at its Los Pelambres operation, the company has played a pivotal role in advancing the implementation of electrical solutions in the mining ecosystem. Antofagasta Minerals expects electrification will present viable solutions for reducing emissions in its haulage processes and is aiming to test battery powered trucks and trolley assist technologies in the next few years.

ABB is supporting Antofagasta Minerals with its decarbonization roadmap by supplying advanced technology solutions from its eMine portfolio. Specifically, the parties intend to utilize ABB’s eMine consultative studies to define the techno-economic optimum for the all-electric mine, evaluating decarbonization technologies, impact on mine operation and design, as well as power distribution.
Furthermore, in recognition of the critical role net zero emission haul trucks play in meeting the greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, ABB and Antofagasta Minerals will collaborate, alongside other third parties, to accelerate the development of net zero emission haulage solutions. Antofagasta Minerals will act as an early adopter and test site for technology and has committed to using ABB’s eMine Trolley System. The system is known to reduce diesel consumption by up to 90 percent in specific environments while lowering energy costs and overall environmental impact. This technology not only reduces emissions in the short term, but also enables the future implementation of battery technology in the mining industry.

“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,” said Max Luedtke, Global Business Line Manager Mining, ABB. “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 decarbonization efforts. We are fully invested in the collaborative journey to develop further solutions.”

[1] https://www.iea.org/events/global-critical-minerals-outlook-2024
[2] https://www.antofagasta.co.uk/sustainability/climate-change/

ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies, and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps customers in process, hybrid and maritime industries improve performance and safety of operations, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. go.abb/processautomation

ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on over 140 years of excellence, ABB’s more than 105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation. www.abb.com

Antofagasta Minerals, is a subsidiary of London-listed Antofagasta plc, and one of the world’s leading copper miners. It is actively involved in exploration, particularly in Chile, and other countries in the Americas. Today, its activities are mainly concentrated in Chile where it owns and operates four copper mines. www.aminerals.cl