Minimising unplanned downtime in mining fleets is being tackled through smarter drivetrain selection and maintenance strategies, focusing on high-torque, low-speed applications in large haul trucks and loaders. The whitepaper examines trade-offs between conventional mechanical drivetrains and electric or hybrid-electric systems, including modular gearbox designs and condition-based monitoring of critical components such as final drives and torque converters. For mine planners and maintenance engineers, the key message is that drivetrain choices directly affect mean time between failures, spare parts inventories, and planned shutdown durations.

ContiTech has completed the first replacement of an ST10000 steel-cable conveyor belt at Codelco’s Chuquicamata copper mine in Chile, one of the largest uphill tunnel conveyor installations in global mining. The ST10000 belt, previously pioneering for high-tension, steep-gradient underground haulage at Chuquicamata, required complex change-out logistics in confined tunnel conditions and precise splice management for ultra-high-strength cords. The project confirms that life-cycle replacement of ST10000-class belts is technically viable, which will influence long-haul conveyor design and maintenance planning for deep and block cave operations.

Metso is expanding its presence in Argentina with new local capabilities in San Juan, the country’s key copper and gold mining hub, entering a new growth phase from the second quarter. The investment is aimed at building long‑term in‑country capacity for equipment support and services, reducing reliance on imported expertise and long supply chains. For mine operators, closer access to OEM support in San Juan should cut downtime on critical process equipment and improve lifecycle management for large copper and gold concentrator assets.