Antofagasta Minerals and ABB have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accelerate decarbonization initiatives by electrifying and automating mining operations in Chile.
Antofagasta Minerals is working toward reducing its emissions by 50% by 2035 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, having already reduced its Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon dioxide emissions by 928,000 tons. The miner 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 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, ABB and Antofagasta Minerals said they will collaborate, alongside other third parties, to accelerate the development of net-zero emission haulage solutions. Antofagasta will act as an early adopter and test site for technology and has committed to using ABB’s eMine Trolley System – known to reduce diesel consumption by up to 90% in specific environments.
Source: ABB