Lomas Bayas begins autonomous operations

Glencore has announced that, through Lomas Lab, it is seeking to become a world leader in the development of technologies associated with Mining 4.0, centered from its Minera Lomas Bayas copper operation in Sierra Gorda within the Antofagasta region. After its launch on the 25th anniversary, Minera Lomas Bayas has continued to develop the Lomas Lab, the technology creation initiative…

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Five new electric Liebherrs roll in at Encuentro

Thiess has confirmed that a fleet of five new electric-drive Liebherr T 264s have made their entrance, decked out in Thiess blue, at Antofagasto’s Encuentro copper operation in northern Chile. The arrival, which is an expansion to Thiess’ 240-tonne fleet range, underscores its dedication to expansion in the region, Thiess officials said, allowing for increased productivity and efficiency through faster…

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Leaching technology in action at Freeport’s El Abra

Jetti Resources has inked a deal with Freeport-McMoRan for its leaching technology deployment at the El Abra copper operation in Chile. The deal for the placement, which is between Jetti and Sociedad Contractual Minera El Abra, is the first in Chile, and the second for Jetti at a Freeport mine. The first was the Bagdad mine in Arizona last year.…

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Peru copper mine hit by vandals

A Glencore copper operation in Peru has been targeted by vandals amid a rash of protests in the southern Andes, according to reports. Reuters said on 12 January that political protestors attacked the Antapaccay copper mine that day, citing a statement from a top mining official. The country is currently in the throes of its worst civil unrest in several…

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Escondida goes big, moves to renew entire fleet

BHP, owner of the Escondida copper operation in the Antofagasta region of northern Chile, is collaborating with Caterpillar and Finning International to replace Escondida’s entire haul truck fleet. Under the agreement, which the group jointly confirmed is part of a strategic equipment renewal process developed by Escondida, the mine will take delivery of new Caterpillar 798 AC electric-drive trucks with…

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Antamina owners seeking 2023 approval for expansion project

Peru’s largest copper operation Antamina is hoping to get the green light for an extension of its mine life to 2036 from environmental authorities by early next year, the company’s chief executive officer has reportedly said. Antamina CEO Victor Gobitz told Reuters that it is hoping to get that approval by early next year for an expansion project it first…

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Protest keeping Peru mine suspended: report

Officials from Peru’s mining chamber confirmed 14 March that operations at Southern Copper’s Cuajone copper operation is nearing the end of its second week with operations idled due to protesters who have blocked a key transport artery. According to a Reuters report that has cited Sociedad Nacional de Minera Petroleo y Energia’s (SNMPA) statement in Spanish, the regulatory group has…

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