Two 1250 HC 40 Litronic tower cranes mounted on foundation anchors are in use at the "Minera Escondida" copper mine. During the initial phase the tower cranes will be used for extension work and to build the mine infrastructure, handling loads of up to 20 tonnes. After the construction phase has been completed the two tower cranes will be used for maintenance purposes.
A total of three 1250 HC tower cranes are in use at the "Minera Sierra Gorda" copper mine. Two of these cranes are the 50-tonne version and the third is the 40-tonne version. All three cranes are mounted on foundation anchors. During the construction phase the cranes are used as classic tower cranes for effective load handling for the assembly of tanks, involving hoisting components weighing 14-17 tonnes. In the long term these three cranes will also be used as service and maintenance cranes at the mine.
The extreme geographical and climatic conditions not only present challenges to the workforce but also to the crane equipment. The high temperature differences of up to 40°C between night and day and the dust created by the arid desert climate produce extraordinary stresses. In addition Chile is one of the most earthquake-prone countries on Earth where earthquakes up to a magnitude of 5 are by no means a rarity. This means that all the cranes must comply with a Chilean standard which ensures that they are resistant to earthquakes.
You might also be interested in
22/09/2026
Listicles
Five questions that show why planning a tower crane deployment is more complex than you might think
On spectacular construction sites, it's the structures that take the spotlight. But building bridges, tunnels or skyscrapers in the first place often demands equally extraordinary crane concepts. From the Sagrada Família in Barcelona to the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel in Denmark, Liebherr supports demanding tower crane deployments worldwide. Max Widder, Head of Project Planning at Tower Crane Solutions, gives insight into the challenges behind some of the most complex crane projects in the world.
21/09/2026
Press releases
Liebherr-Australia commemorates the opening of its new training centre in Western Australia
Liebherr-Australia held a customer evening at its new training centre in Perth, Western Australia, late last month to celebrate its official opening. The new facility includes three dedicated training rooms equipped with different simulators and a 1,250 m2 workshop for practical training. Customers and industry peers were able to experience training simulators and other cutting-edge training technology throughout the evening.
10/09/2026
Press releases
Considerate and flexible: two Liebherr NC-B cranes at work in Sai Kung
A new residential development is under construction in Ho Chung, Sai Kung. Foundation and excavation and lateral support works have been underway since December 2024 and are expected to continue until end of 2026. Two Liebherr NC-B 12-70 tower cranes are handling material logistics on the confined site.