Codelco announced on April 6 that a fully electric truck from SANY successfully completed a 680-kilometer round trip between the Radomiro Tomic Division and Angamos Port, carrying 27 tons of copper as part of an electromobility pilot program. The project aims to advance low-emission mining logistics in the arid conditions of northern Chile.
The initiative is part of a Memorandum of Understanding between Codelco and Chinese company SANY, which commits both parties to testing electric trucks under real-world operating conditions. This pilot covers one of the longest routes in Latin America for such tests, with challenging inclines, extreme temperatures, and loads comparable to traditional diesel-powered transport.
Mauricio Acuña, Vice President of Supply at Codelco, said: “The preliminary results of these pilot projects demonstrate that heavy-duty electromobility is a technically viable alternative for strategic routes in the country. This is an opportunity to be pioneers in Latin America, operating an electric truck on a long route with a cumulative gradient exceeding 2,500 meters.”
The project evaluates operational and energy performance as well as logistical needs for using this technology instead of diesel trucks. One focus is reducing emissions in line with Codelco’s sustainability goals. Cao Te, Vice President of SANY Group and President of its Latin America Division, said: “The signing of this MoU and the electric truck test represent a key milestone in our joint collaboration to develop sustainable mining and logistics solutions. In the current context of high oil prices, electric equipment stands out for its advantages in reducing operating costs and its contribution to decarbonization. Both parties will continue to deepen their cooperation to drive the sustainable transformation of the mining and logistics sector.” He also said: “Among the main benefits observed in this pilot are greater stability of energy costs, reduction of noise and emissions, as well as the strengthening of an ecosystem of technology and service providers associated with mining electromobility.”
Results from the pilot were presented at an event in Calama attended by representatives from both organizations. Miguel Cataldo, Director of Integrated Logistics at Codelco said: “the success of the trial was made possible by extensive coordination among carriers, technology providers, energy companies, regulators, and logistics stakeholders each contributing critical enablers such as cargo infrastructure safety standards route expertise operational processes technology transfer operational continuity.”
Fernando Promis, Sustainability and External Affairs Manager for Codelco’s Northern Operations concluded: “This pilot project lays a concrete foundation for transforming mining logistics in Chile towards a more sustainable future positioning the country at the regional forefront of electric heavy-duty freight transport.” Other participants included transport company Géminis Puerto Angamos Ministry Public Works.
