Codelco & CEA-Liten Collaborate to Boost Underground Fleet Electrification

Why It Matters

The partnership fast‑tracks zero‑emission underground trucks, cutting CO₂ output and diesel‑related hazards while boosting Chile’s mining competitiveness through cutting‑edge battery technology and international R&D collaboration.

Key Takeaways

• One‑year Codelco‑CEA Liten project co‑funded by French FASEP grant.
• Battery tests will use WattAlps lithium‑ion packs at CEA‑Liten labs.
• Study will produce technical specs and economic models for fleet electrification.
• Electrification promises lower emissions, safer underground operations, and reduced fuel logistics.
• Collaboration deepens Franco‑Chilean ties and positions Chile as mining innovation hub.

Pulse Analysis

The mining sector faces mounting pressure to curb carbon emissions as global demand for copper surges, driven by renewable‑energy infrastructure and electric‑vehicle production. Traditional diesel‑powered underground fleets contribute significantly to greenhouse‑gas outputs and operational hazards. By partnering with CEA‑Liten, a world‑leading energy‑storage research centre, Codelco is positioning itself at the forefront of the industry’s shift toward electrified equipment, a move that aligns with broader sustainability goals and regulatory expectations.

CEA‑Liten’s expertise in lithium‑ion battery chemistry and its record of the most patents in the field over the past two decades provide a solid scientific foundation for the project. The French government’s FASEP grant underscores the strategic importance of exporting green technologies, while WattAlps’ involvement ensures that the batteries tested are tailored for the high‑stress, low‑temperature conditions of deep‑level mining. Comprehensive technical‑specification development and economic modelling will enable Codelco to evaluate multiple electrification scenarios, balancing performance, cost, and lifecycle impacts before large‑scale rollout.

If successful, the initiative could set a new benchmark for underground fleet electrification worldwide, delivering measurable CO₂ reductions, lower operating costs, and enhanced worker safety by eliminating diesel fumes and fuel‑handling logistics. The collaboration also signals a deepening of Franco‑Chilean industrial ties, potentially opening pathways for further joint ventures in renewable energy, advanced materials, and digital mining technologies. As other mining giants watch closely, Codelco’s progress may accelerate sector‑wide adoption of electric haul trucks, reshaping the competitive landscape and reinforcing Chile’s status as a hub for mining innovation.