Thiess said the vehicle's power and payload would be of interest to customers as it expands in the country and the region.

"The T 264 truck has a 240-tonne nominal payload capacity and an impressive payload to empty vehicle weight ratio, leading to faster acceleration speeds, better speed on grade and higher hauling capacity resulting in shorter cycle times and a lower cost per tonne," said Liebherr Chile's Mining Division Director Dale Clayton.

He added that combining a high-power Cummins QSK60 2,700 hp diesel engine with the "extremely efficient" Liebherr AC electric propulsion system, would  "allow for maximum productivity and reduced downtime".

Thiess' Executive General Manager Americas Darrell White , added@ "The T 264s boost our fleet numbers and provide our clients with the opportunity to increase production capacity … South America is essential to Thiess' long-term growth and building our diversification into commodities such as copper and gold."

"This commitment to new fleet follows our recent investment in infrastructure, which includes a dedicated maintenance workshop, and building workforce capability through in-house and industry scholarship and pathway programmes."

The T 264s will be manufactured at Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co. in Virginia USA and will then be shipped to Chile. Assembly of the trucks will take place at Liebherr's La Negra Facility before being transported to site, ready for commissioning.