MANAGEMENT

SQM, partners launch electric mining fleet

The fleet consists of 34 vehicles, including minibuses and vans

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Chilean company SQM has teamed up with a variety of partners to introduce the largest electric fleet in the country's mining industry.

SQM worked with transport companies Viggo GrandLeasing, Transportes CVU, and Andes Motor to launch the fleet.

The fleet consists of 34 vehicles, including passenger buses, minibuses, and vans. The companies also unveiled mobile solar checkpoints, as well as Chile's first-ever high-tonnage electric truck.

SQM earlier introduced Chile's first high-tonne electric truck to be used at its Coya Sur plant.

The electric fleet will be focused on northern Chile in the regions of Antofagasta and Tarapaca, SQM vice president Jose Miguel Berguno said.

SQM has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.

The Chilean government supports this initiative.

"We want to continue materialising this type of initiatives in our region that contribute to the transformation of mining into a more sustainable, more responsible and more harmonious mining with the environment," presidential delegate from Antofagasta Karen Behrens said.

"Electromobility is key to achieving our goals towards carbon neutrality."

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