Codelco Andina Purchases 18 Cat 798AC Trucks

Why It Matters

The expanded fleet raises haulage capacity and productivity, strengthening Codelco’s ability to meet copper output targets while reducing per‑ton costs. It also showcases a strategic move toward larger, more efficient equipment in a competitive mining landscape.

Key Takeaways

• 18 CAT 798AC trucks added, 400‑ton payload each
• Fleet now totals 57 high‑tonnage haul trucks
• Payload up 80 mt per cycle versus previous fleet
• Trucks shipped from USA, assembled in Chile, enhancing reliability
• Boosts hauling capacity, supporting Codelco’s production targets

Pulse Analysis

Codelco Andina, the mining arm of Chile’s state‑owned copper giant, has just completed delivery of the last 18 Caterpillar 798AC haul trucks to its Platform 3700 open‑pit operation. The 798AC, part of Caterpillar’s CAEX line, can carry up to 400 metric tons per load, making it one of the world’s largest off‑highway trucks. By sourcing the units from the United States and completing final assembly in Chile, the company ensures that the machines meet local safety standards while minimizing downtime during integration.

The addition brings Codelco’s haul‑truck fleet to 57 units, a critical step toward sustaining the mine’s production schedule. Each new 798AC adds roughly 80 metric tons of payload per cycle compared with the older fleet, translating into higher tonnage moved per hour and lower fuel consumption per ton. Mine Maintenance manager Sebastián Fehrmann Soto highlighted that the expanded capacity directly tackles current production bottlenecks, while specialist engineer Rodrigo Aguirre Carvajal noted the reliability gains from the modern CAEX platform. The logistical chain—port entry at San Antonio and Coquimbo, road transport, and on‑site assembly—demonstrates Codelco’s ability to coordinate complex equipment rollouts.

Globally, mining operators are gravitating toward ultra‑large haul trucks to curb operating costs and meet rising commodity demand. Codelco’s investment underscores a broader shift in the copper sector, where scale and efficiency are paramount amid tightening margins and ESG pressures. By standardizing on the 798AC, the company can leverage common spare‑part inventories and streamlined training, further reducing overhead. The move also positions Codelco to better absorb future price volatility, as higher haulage efficiency improves cash‑flow resilience and supports its long‑term growth strategy.