en.Wedoany.com Reported - Chile's state-owned copper company (Codelco) has initiated operational testing of a 100% electric front loader at the Ministro Hales division for copper concentrate loading operations. The project, developed in collaboration with Socoal, aims to evaluate the equipment's operational and energy performance, as well as its logistics and infrastructure adaptability in the demanding environment of bulk mining.

Ronald Muñoz, Business Administrator of the Ministro Hales division, stated that this is the company's first case of a 100% electric equipment of this size and characteristics, expressing hope for the continued application of this technology, as electric mobility represents the future direction of mining. The front loader is designed with the latest technology to ensure operational continuity under harsh conditions. Bernardo Escalante, Deputy Operations Manager at Socoal, noted that the equipment can operate continuously for 7 hours at maximum load, which may be extended to 8 to 10 hours under normal service conditions.

The equipment is equipped with a specialized automatic protection system to safeguard sensors from abrasive materials and high concentrations of dust in the environment. Germán Álvarez, General Manager of Socoal, emphasized that the equipment is suitable for environments with high pollution or abrasive materials, ensuring stable operation of copper concentrate loading.

The testing phase will verify the endurance and practical benefits of the electric front loader in the logistics loop of bulk storage and sales, accumulating experience for the future introduction of clean technologies in the company's mining operations. This project aims to reduce the operational carbon footprint, aligning with Codelco's 2030 sustainable development goals. Javier Arcos, Director of Environment and Territory at Ministro Hales, pointed out that this is one of the initiatives promoted in operations to introduce electric mobility into production processes and reduce the carbon footprint, contributing to the decarbonization of the mining industry and responsible development in the Calama region.