Anglo American has awarded Epiroc a significant order to supply multiple drill rigs and related equipment to its new Quellaveco mine, an open-pit copper mine, which is yet to open, in Moquegua, Peru. The order totals about $44 million.

“We are proud to once again team up with Anglo American and play a key role in making sure that its new mine in Peru is operated in the most productive, safe and cost-efficient manner possible,” said Helena Hedblom, Epiroc senior executive vice president mining and infrastructure.

The order includes Pit Viper 351 and SmartROC D65 drill rigs, BenchREMOTE remote-operator stations, rock drilling tools and HB 10000 hydraulic breakers. The machines incorporate state-of-the-art technology features. For example, operators can run rigs remotely from a safe distance. Delivery will start in early 2020 and continue through 2021.

Quellaveco represents one of the world’s largest copper reserves and the project will employ thousands of people. Actual copper production is expected to begin in 2022.

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