Codelco, the world's largest copper producer, has ordered a combination of digital solutions that will - among other things - optimise fleet management and ore production, provide visibility of people and machines underground, collect machine performance data, and help avoid vehicle collisions. The solutions will be used at El Teniente's underground as well as open-pit operations.

The five-year project is valued at about SEK250 million (US$24 million), and the first phase was booked in the fourth quarter 2023 at a value of about SEK50 million.

"Digital solutions are increasingly important to ensure mining companies can reach their full potential when it comes to safety and productivity," Helena Hedblom, Epiroc's president and CEO, said. "Codelco has long been on the technological forefront, and we are happy to continue to support them as they further enhance their digitalisation to ensure operator safety and maximum operational efficiency." 

Epiroc, through its Digital Solutions division, is bundling together a wide variety of digital solutions that enhance mining companies' operations. With this order, Codelco is upgrading its existing digital solutions and adding a collision-avoidance system and the ability to collect machine performance data.

"We are proud to expand our partnership with Codelco as they advance their digital journey, with an offering that provides an agnostic ecosystem across connectivity, automation, safety and productivity applications," Paul Bergström, president of Epiroc's Digital Solutions division, said.