Australian-based mining services provider Thiess has delivered five electric vehicles to the Encuentro copper cathode project in Chile.

The Liebherr T 264s will allow faster cycle times and increased load capacity, Thiess said.

The arrival of the trucks marks the first time these trucks have been used in Chile, Thiess Executive General Manager for the Americas Darrell White said.

"The blue trays…are a first in Chile, and they symbolise the unique service offer our team brings to the industry," White said.

Chilean miner Antofagasta is developing the Encuentro Oxides project, and owns both the copper mine and the nearby processing facility.

Encuentro Oxides produces 50,000 tonnes of copper cathode per year. The mine came into production in 2017, and has a mine life of 15 years.

Thiess won a contract worth A$420 million in September 2018 to continue operations at the Encuentro open pit.

The contract is a four-year extension for Thiess to continue to provide services for drilling, load and haul, mobile equipment maintenance, and additional mine services.

The initial contract was for three years.

Thiess moved over 70 million cubic meters between 2015 and 2018 at Encuentro.