Boliden Somincor Out to Reach New Mining Technology Heights

Why It Matters

The rollout positions Boliden as a European leader in high‑grade, automated underground mining, boosting productivity while meeting ESG expectations and setting a benchmark for legacy operations.

Key Takeaways

• Boliden targets mine life until 2041, exploring extensions beyond 2032
• Automation reached 64% of stope tonnage mined in January 2025
• Over 95% of industrial water is recycled on site
• Semi‑dry tailings stacking reduces surface water usage and environmental impact
• New LTE network enables remote loading, drilling, and personnel tracking underground

Pulse Analysis

Boliden’s purchase of Lundin Mining’s European assets, including the Somincor operation, marks a strategic expansion into the Iberian Pyrite Belt, one of Europe’s richest zinc‑copper‑lead districts. By integrating Somincor with its Swedish Zinkgruvan mine, Boliden leverages shared expertise to extend the Portuguese mine’s life to at least 2041, while evaluating options to push the horizon beyond 2032. The acquisition also reinforces Boliden’s commitment to regional employment, with the mine remaining the largest employer in Alentejo and maintaining strong community ties.

Automation is at the heart of Somincor’s transformation. A 2023 LTE upgrade replaced earlier Wi‑Fi, enabling real‑time tracking of over 40 heavy‑equipment units via Mobilaris beacons and RFID‑enabled personnel phones. Epiroc’s Deep Automation platform now powers three ST18 loaders, while Sandvik’s AutoMine® Multi Lite supports its Sandvik fleet. In January, 64% of the stope tonnage was mined from the surface Automation Room, delivering 1.13 Mt of material. The mixed‑fleet approach presents integration challenges, but upcoming deliveries of Sandvik TH663 trucks and increased use of Simbas drilling rigs aim to raise automated drilling above 10%.

Sustainability underpins the operational agenda. Somincor’s semi‑dry tailings stacking, combined with a paste‑backfill strategy, minimizes surface water draw and supports a 95% industrial‑water recycling rate. The mine’s tailings are half‑backfilled underground, with plans to boost this share and maximize the on‑site paste plant. Future projects include doubling ventilation capacity, expanding captive power, and exploring fully autonomous underground trucking, inspired by nearby ALMINA’s Aljustrel mine. These initiatives reinforce Boliden’s ESG credentials while enhancing long‑term profitability.