Escondida | BHP began operations of the first 4800XPC electric rope shovel in Chile and Latin America, and the third of its kind in the world, designed and manufactured by Komatsu.
With an operating weight of approximately 1,750 tons, it is the most powerful shovel in the world, loading 400-ton mining trucks in only three passes, one less than other machines currently on the market. This increases efficiency during the truck loading process and generates a significant improvement in costs per ton, as well as increasing the safety and comfort of those who operate it.
«Having the 4800XPC shovel in our machinery fleet is a great contribution to making progress in the operational challenges that we have at Escondida. We are very pleased that the highest-capacity shovel has arrived at the world’s leading copper producer. I want to congratulate all the teams involved in the assembly and delivery of this shovel, which was achieved without safety incidents and in less time compared to the other two existing shovels in the market.”
Alejandro Tapia
President
Escondida | BHP
“For Komatsu, the start of operations of the 4800XPC shovel strengthens a relationship that we have had with BHP for decades. In this sense, being able to introduce this model in the industry serves to continue promoting mining in Chile. With this, our intention is to create value together so that both companies continue to position themselves as a global benchmark for mining innovations.”
Carlos Soto
Executive vice president
Group Komatsu Cummins Chile.
Among its main features are the incorporation of new technologies that provide greater digging power without reducing the useful life of the machine, lower impact loads or improper operation, improved payload and digging performance through the control and “intelligent” application of power and, in addition, less operator fatigue due to reduced boom jacking.
Delivery of this new shovel marks a significant step forward in the national industry, as it is the first time that a copper mine in the world will use this type of equipment. Weeks ago, South Africa received the same shovel from Komatsu to test its operation in demanding conditions, high hardness and abrasiveness in a platinum mine.
For more information, please contact: cecilia.lopez@global.komatsu
