Antofagasta Minerals has partnered with ABB to expedite mining industry decarbonisation efforts in Chile.

As part of this initiative, the two companies entered a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop and implement a net-zero emissions haulage solution.

This initiative is a response to the growing demand for copper, essential for the energy transition, and the urgent need to decarbonise mining operations.

The collaboration is set to leverage ABB's eMine solutions and expertise to meet copper demand, which is projected to surpass the supply from announced projects by 2035.

Antofagasta, under its mission to "develop mining for a better future," aims to halve its emissions by 2035 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

The company has already made strides in reducing its scope 1 and scope 2 carbon emissions by 928,000 tonnes.

The trolley trial at the Los Pelambres operation has been instrumental in advancing electrical solutions within the mining sector.

Antofagasta is now looking to further reduce emissions through the electrification of its haulage processes, with plans to test battery-powered trucks and trolley assist technologies.

ABB is set to support Antofagasta Minerals on its decarbonisation journey by providing advanced technology solutions from its eMine portfolio.

The partnership involves the use of ABB's eMine consultative studies to identify the best techno-economic solutions for an all-electric mine, including the evaluation of decarbonisation technologies and their impact on mine operations and design.

In addition to the development of net-zero emission haulage solutions, Antofagasta will serve as an early adopter and testing ground for ABB's eMine Trolley System.

The system is claimed to reduce diesel consumption by up to 90% in certain environments, thereby lowering energy costs and overall environmental footprint. It also paves the way for future battery technology implementation in the mining industry.