Codelco is converting its Chuquicamata mine from open cast to an underground mine as part of a 10-year strategic project to prolong its existing mines. Operations are due to start in 2019.

Sandvik will deliver a highly-advanced production automation system based on its AutoMine and OptiMine products. The system will allow Codelco to operate its new fleet of Sandvik LH621 loaders in full automation. The open system integrates manual operations and autonomous equipment into one powerful solution with AutoMine and OptiMine, enabling full transparency and real-time control over the parallel production and mine development activities.

Andrés Avendaño, operations manager at Chuquicamata Underground, said: "Using our mines to full effect is part of our focus on sustainability and a key driver for our business. Automation and optimisation are critical to getting the most from our mines and keeping our people safe while we do it."

Sandvik and Codelco started their automation journeys together with the first-ever AutoMine Loading system installation at Codelco's El Teniente copper mine in 2004.

Riku Pulli, vice president, automation at Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, commented: "Codelco has been an important partner for us from the beginning. It's fantastic to continue the partnership as our visions are well aligned. We look forward to working with Codelco to deliver even smarter, safer, more productive mining through digitalisation."

Codelco is the number one copper producer in the world and is owned by the Republic of Chile government. It controls about 19% of the world's copper reserves and is also the second producer of molybdenum worldwide, with 24,000t produced in 2018.

Sandvik has been implementing digital mining solutions globally for decades. Sandvik's digital solutions, including AutoMine, OptiMine and ‘My Sandvik', are working in hundreds of mines around the world.

The AutoMine product family allows customers to scale up automation at their own pace. AutoMine covers all aspects of automation, from remote and autonomous operation of a single piece of equipment to multi-machine control and full-fleet automation using automatic mission and traffic control capabilities. AutoMine installations have logged more than 2.5 million hours with zero Lost Time Injuries.

OptiMine is a powerful suite of digital tools for analysing and optimising mining production and processes. It integrates all relevant data into one source, delivering both real-time and predictive insights to improve operations. OptiMine is open and scalable, giving customers the flexibility to build at their own speed and incorporate other equipment, systems and networks.