Codelco and SANY conduct successful pilot of 100% electric transport truck on strategic northern route
Carrying a load of 27 t of copper, a 100% electric truck from Chinese mining equipment OEM SANY travelled 680 kilometres in a round trip between Codelco’s Radomiro Tomic Division copper mining operation and Angamos Port as part of an electromobility pilot program aimed at advancing low-emission mining logistics in the driest desert in the world.
The initiative is being carried out under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Codelco and SANY, which commits both companies to conduct electric truck tests under real-world operating conditions. The pilot program in northern Chile covers one of the longest routes for such tests in Latin America, featuring challenging inclines, extreme temperatures, and a load capacity comparable to that of traditional transport.
“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 metres,” explained Mauricio Acuña, Vice President of Supply at Codelco.
The project aims to evaluate the operational and energy performance, along with the logistics and infrastructure required by this technology as an alternative to diesel trucks. Among the key features of this innovation is its contribution to emissions reduction, which aligns with Codelco’s sustainability commitments.
“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 decarbonisation. Both parties will continue to deepen their cooperation to drive the sustainable transformation of the mining and logistics sector,” stated Cao Te, Vice President of SANY Group and President of the Latin America Division. He added that “among the main benefits observed in this pilot are greater energy cost stability, reduced noise and emissions, and the strengthening of an ecosystem of technology and service providers associated with electromobility in mining.”
The results of the pilot project and the implementation of the MoU were presented at an event in Calama, attended by representatives from both institutions. Miguel Cataldo, Director of Integrated Logistics at Codelco, explained that “the success of the pilot 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 experience, and operational processes, as well as technology transfer and operational continuity.”
“This pilot project lays a solid foundation for transforming mining logistics in Chile toward a more sustainable future, positioning the country at the forefront of electric heavy-duty transport in the region,” concluded Fernando Promis, Manager of Sustainability and External Affairs for Codelco’s Northern Operations.
Among the various stakeholders participating in the initiative, in addition to the Radomiro Tomic Division and SANY, are the transport company Géminis, Puerto Angamos, and the Ministry of Public Works.
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