A specially adapted vehicle supplied by German mining transport company SMT Scharf will undergo a 12-month trial evaluating autonomous control, recharging times, vehicle wear, user experience and driving safety.
French energy firm Engie will provide data monitoring and load management.
The company is targeting reductions of up to 60% in operating costs and 100% in emissions through switching from the truck's diesel version. The electrical model's industrial test is taking place at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters.
Chilean mining minister Baldo Prokurica, minister of economy Lucas Palacios, and the chief executive of Engie Chile, Axel Levêque, also attended the launch event.
"We are focused on developing solutions that contribute to greener, carbon-neutral mining," said Leveque. "Today we advance in this pioneering pilot in mining operations, which we are betting will open doors for a new phase of greener transport in the industry."
