As part of the agreement, Epiroc will help Pucobre develop an integrated information management system.
Using what the OEM calls its ‘6th Sense' mine management solution, it will combine the miner's existing systems with new task management and reporting features, including the Mobilaris scheduler; the customer's existing machine fleet, regardless of make or model, can also be connected to the system.
Epiroc described its ‘6th Sense' approach as a new way of optimising customers' processes through automation, system integration and information management.
Helena Hedblom, Epiroc's senior executive vice president for mining and infrastructure, said the modernisation efforts would make the underground mine operations safer and more productive.
Pucobre's fleet already features several Epiroc units, including Simba production drill rigs, Boomer face drilling rigs, and Scooptram and Minetruck underground loading and haulage vehicles. Epiroc also provides Pucobre with consumables and services.
Pucobre CEO Sebastián Ríos said the company wanted to strengthen this miner-supplier relationship, particularly due to Epiroc's strategic, collaborative approach.
Pucobre operates the Punta del Cobre, Mantos de Cobre and Granate mines in the Atacama region.
