Peru: Digital milestones keep Quellaveco on course for success

Quellaveco reached another digital milestone recently, when four autonomous trucks started work at the copper project in Peru.

The trucks, four of a planned fleet of 27 794ACs, are just one element of the range of technologies that will help to make Quellaveco Anglo American’s first 100% digital mine, which is expected to begin production in 2022.

Other key milestones for the project include the completion of the assembly of its first model 7495 Caterpillar electric shovel, the largest piece of mining equipment in the country, and an agreement with Engie Energía Perú to provide 100% renewable energy for the operation.

Peru: Digital milestones keep Quellaveco on course for success

Pre-stripping work at the project got under way at the start of last month. Pre-stripping, or pre-mining, is the separation of the first layers of cut material that cover the ore that is extracted when an operation starts production.

The goal for the first month was to move 620,000 tonnes of material and the team surpassed expectations, moving more than 660,000 tonnes.

"We have started the way we mean to go on, with a work culture that we want to see when we are operational,”

Simon Williams Mine Manager at Quellaveco

“We’re pre-mining as an autonomous mine, the first in Peru and the first in Anglo American to do that. It's a milestone for the country and for the company. It's fantastic.”

The implementation of the Operating Model at the project is going according to schedule. Tito Cacho, General Manager, said: “The Operating Model will support Quellaveco in achieving its business ambitions, developing strategies and plans, and monitoring workflows to apply continuous improvement."

He added: "What we have achieved so far, in the face of a global pandemic, has taken commitment, accountability, teamwork, and great leadership from everyone in Quellaveco.

“There are many challenges ahead of us in the coming months. However, I am convinced that our recent achievements have put us on the right track to reach all our goals, on time and budget.”

Discover more about our copper operations here.