Sandvik continues Codelco digitalization partnership delivering additional automation at El Teniente mine

Sandvik will deliver AutoMine^® fleet solutions for underground trucks to Codelco’s El Teniente mine in Chile, continuing Codelco’s vision of creating the most advanced underground mines in the world.

This AutoMine^® Fleet system is the first step in implementing a fully-automated mining solution using Sandvik trucks at El Teniente, the biggest underground copper mine in the world. Codelco’s goal is to dramatically increase the productivity, safety and efficiency of its operations with AutoMine^®. Together with the existing OptiMine^® system, the mine will become a world-class benchmark.

This agreement follows the April 2019 announcement that Sandvik will deliver its award-winning AutoMine^® and OptiMine^® solutions to Codelco’s Chuquicamata mine as it converts the site from open cast to an underground mine. This development is part of Codelco’s 10-year strategic project to prolong its existing mines.

“As a state-owned mining company, it is our responsibility to implement technology and solutions that ensure the safety of our people and the sustainability of our mines,” said Rafael Guzman, Chief Engineer for Automation and Technology at El Teniente. “Being a good corporate citizen is not negotiable. It is critical to our success.”

Sandvik and Codelco started their automation journeys together at El Teniente with the first-ever AutoMine^® Loading system installation in 2004.

“We are proud that Codelco continues to choose Sandvik as a strategic partner for its most innovative projects,” said Patricio Apablaza, Vice President for Andean and South Cone, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology. “Our technology will drive even safer, smarter and more productive mining for Codelco.”

Codelco is the number one copper producer in the world and is owned by the Republic of Chile government. It controls about 19% of the world’s copper reserves and is also the second producer of molybdenum worldwide, with 24,000 tons produced in 2018.

Sandvik is a world leader in automation, implementing digital mining solutions for decades. Sandvik’s digital solutions, including AutoMine^®, OptiMine^® and “My Sandvik” are working in hundreds of mines around the world.

The AutoMine^® product family allows customers to scale up automation at their own pace. AutoMine^® covers all aspects of automation, from remote and autonomous operation of a single piece of equipment to multi-machine control and full-fleet automation using automatic mission and traffic control capabilities. AutoMine^® installations have logged more than 2.5 million hours with zero Lost Time Injuries.

OptiMine^® is a powerful suite of digital tools for analyzing and optimizing mining production and processes. It integrates all relevant data into one source, delivering both real-time and predictive insights to improve operations. OptiMine^® is open and scalable, giving customers the flexibility to build at their own speed and incorporate other equipment, systems and networks.

Tampere, Finland, May 21, 2019

For more information contact:
Riku Pulli
Vice President, Automation
Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology
tel: +358407519040
e-mail: riku.pulli@sandvik.com

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Sandvik Group
Sandvik is a high-tech and global engineering group offering products and services that enhance customer productivity, profitability and safety. We hold world-leading positions in selected areas – tools and tooling systems for metal cutting; equipment and tools, service and technical solutions for the mining and construction industries; products in advanced stainless steels and special alloys as well as products for industrial heating. In 2018, the Group had approximately 42,000 employees and sales of 100 billion SEK in more than 150 countries within continuing operations.

Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology
Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a global leading supplier of equipment and tools, service and technical solutions for the mining and construction industries. Application areas include rock drilling, rock cutting, crushing and screening, loading and hauling, tunneling, quarrying and breaking and demolition. In 2018, sales were approximately 43 billion SEK with about 15,000 employees in continuing operations.