Electromobility has arrived at Codelco's El Teniente Division Circular Economy Centre with the addition of an electric truck. The pilot project was launched by the environmental solutions and circular intelligence company Ambipar Environment, in collaboration with the copper company, to transport ferrous scrap from the Caletones sector to a recovery centre in Rancagua, located 50 kilometres away.

Leonardo Arangoña Miranda, Director of Territory and Circular Economy at El Teniente, highlighted that these initiatives generate an economic, environmental and social impact in the communities, thanks to their contribution to the valorisation of scrap metal, the reduction of emissions and the decrease of noise. “In the Division we already have the successful experience of transporting people with electric buses, so we want to advance in the transport of cargo with electric technology that is emission-free,” said Argandoña.

The pilot will last for one month, during which time the details of the truck's operation will be fine-tuned and the administrative processes necessary to ensure the continuity of this initiative will be optimized.

“The launch of the pilot aims to maximize efficiency in waste management, reduce emissions of pollutants and environmental impacts of operations, and be a strategic partner of El Teniente in fulfilling its sustainability commitments,” said Leonardo Curotto, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Ambipar Environment.

This type of machinery, more than 7 metres long and 6x4 traction, has a real autonomy of 223 kilometres, with a load capacity of 25 tonnes. The operation of this vehicle, which has an EBS braking system - which includes advanced electronic functions for brake force distribution and stabilisation - and an on-board computer, is designed to transport a total of 50 tonnes of scrap metal per day for its subsequent recovery.

Cristóbal Concha, contract manager for Ambipar Environment in the El Teniente Division, explained that “with electromobility in waste recovery we generate a positive effect on transportation by reducing the greenhouse gases produced by fossil fuels.”

The launch was accompanied by training for the workers who will operate the truck. Cristián Quintero, one of the drivers, explained that “it is always good to learn about new technologies, because electromobility is entering the entire mining industry and being trained in this technology is rewarding and good.”

The pilot program, which will last for one month, will seek to evaluate the feasibility of integrating electric transport technology into the Division's operations, in line with its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability in its processes.