Trolley Assist System powering ultra-class haulage at Collahuasi
At the Collahuasi copper mine in northern Chile, Compañía Minera Doña Inés, Liebherr T 284 ultra-class haul trucks equipped with Trolley Assist System are setting new benchmarks for high‑altitude haulage. Operating at an altitude of 4,500 metres, the trucks have delivered clear improvements in productivity, fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. Through close collaboration and the application of advanced Liebherr trolley technology, the project shows how electrifying the most energy‑intensive part of the haul cycle can drive faster cycle times, lower operating costs and more sustainable mining operations.
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Collahuasi: a world-class copper operation
Compañía Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi is a major open-pit copper mine in northern Chile’s Tarapacá region, located more than 4,500 metres above sea level. While large-scale operations began in 1999, mining activity in the area dates back to 1880, and today Collahuasi ranks among the world’s largest copper mines.
Liebherr haul trucks have operated at the site since 2010, with a fleet that now includes three Liebherr T 282 C trucks and 13 Liebherr T 284 units. The mine is working toward net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040, a goal made more complex by high-altitude conditions and steep haul routes that increase fuel consumption and emissions.
Electrifying 365-metric-tonne mining trucks operating at high altitude and in extreme conditions is a significant technical challenge, but also a major opportunity for large-scale mining. The trolley system drastically reduce diesel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while improving haulage speed, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable operation.
Supporting emissions targets with trolley technology
A trolley system lets mining trucks draw power from fixed electrical infrastructure instead of diesel engines, connecting to overhead lines via a pantograph.
To support its emissions targets while maintaining productivity, Compañía Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi partnered with Liebherr to implement a trolley solution. Together, they installed a 1-kilometre trolley line designed to operate reliably in the mine’s extreme conditions, that include high altitude, strong winds, and seismic activity.
Haul more with trolley!
Collahuasi expects to move an additional 1.75 million tonnes per year with their current fleet size.
A complete trolley solution delivered by Liebherr
Trucks
Design & engineering
Infrastructure
Training & support
Haul trucks account for a substantial portion of our emissions. Electrifying high energy segments in haul routes is highly effective. This pilot models real-world impact, explores scalability, and enables replicable solutions.
- 100% increase in speed on grade
- 42% decrease in ramp cycle time
- 26% decrease in fuel consumption
- 94% decrease in CO2 emissions on ramp
Want to know more?
Explore further!
Learn how Liebherr Mining’s T 284s boost efficiency and reduces fuel use.
Read more about Liebherr Mining’s complete trolley solution in Chile in our Groundbreaking magazine.
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