For five days at the Diamante project, Codelco División El Teniente conducted tests to evaluate the performance under real conditions of the Voltera R6 4×4 electric pickup truck, designed specifically for underground mining.

The aspects analysed in the test carried out by the company Züblin Strabag included autonomy, load capacity, braking capacity, behaviour in tunnels and mining terrain, as well as the driver's experience with this new technology.

Victor Dörner, consultant for El Teniente's Innovation Department, explained that "we had previously tested a unit, but it was a diesel van converted to electric. However, this is the first electric van we have tested that, from its manufacture, meets all the standards we demand. Of the 3,000 vehicles that circulate in the Division, 1,000 are vans, so it is important to test them because of the impact they would have on achieving 100% electromobility in underground mining."

Innovation and sustainability

Pablo Zúñiga, head of construction for the Diamante Project of the Teniente Project Portfolio, highlighted that this initiative reflects Codelco's commitment to innovation and sustainability. "We are open to these tests because they are aligned with our values. In addition, the use of electric trucks would improve working conditions in underground mining by eliminating the generation of gases in tunnels, which also optimizes ventilation and productivity in the projects," he said.

Julio Aris, innovation manager at Züblin Strabag, described the test as a significant step towards carbon neutrality. “Achieving carbon neutrality is a priority goal for both us and Codelco. These tests not only allow us to validate electrical technology in mining conditions, but also to explore new ways to protect our workers by reducing exposure to risks in underground mining,” he said.

Raúl Herbias, an engineer from Züblin Strabag’s Innovation and Sustainability department, stressed that the main objective is to validate the vehicle’s performance and safety under extreme conditions. “This test is essential to assess how electromobility can be integrated into transport and mining operation processes, strengthening our focus on cleaner and safer technologies,” he said.

Fernando Rouliez, commercial manager of Voltera, highlighted that “the truck is equipped with a waterproof, armoured battery that charges to 80% in just 20 minutes. It has been designed from the start to meet mining standards, with its LFP battery, one of the safest on the planet, and 4×4 traction, which makes it a world milestone in underground mining. With this, we aim to promote the democratisation of electromobility and to enable and approve the entry of these vehicles into mining operations.”

Towards carbon neutrality

The tests at the El Teniente Division are part of Codelco's sustainability commitments for 2030, which include a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the implementation of 100% electromobility in underground mines. El Teniente currently operates 104 electric buses to transport its workers.

Marcelo Cubillos, Sustainability Innovation Engineer from the Innovation Department, highlighted that “there are around 16 initiatives where electromobility tests will be carried out: In Teniente 7 we are working on a test of an electric LHD, one with electric trucks in Pacífico Superior, and an electric mixer has been operating in the Diamante project with Züblin and Normet, among other tests. We are pioneers in electromobility.”