XCMG signs MoU with Chile’s copper giant Codelco to advance zero-emission and intelligent mining equipment

XCMG has signed an MoU with Codelco in Chile, strengthening cooperation on electrified, autonomous and zero-emission mining equipment for the copper industry.

XCMG has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chilean state-owned copper producer Codelco, in a move that could significantly strengthen the Chinese manufacturer’s footprint in one of the world’s most important mining markets.

The agreement was signed in Chile with Liu Jiansen, Vice President of XCMG Machinery, and Mauricio Acuna, Chief Procurement Officer of Codelco, participating in the ceremony. The signing follows a February visit to XCMG’s factory in Xuzhou by Codelco Chairman Maximo Pacheco, who also met with XCMG Chairman Yang Dongsheng.

XCMG targets Chile’s mining sector with cleaner and smarter equipment

The MoU comes as mining companies worldwide are increasing pressure on suppliers to deliver equipment that meets higher standards in safety, energy efficiency, environmental performance and productivity.

According to XCMG, the electrification and intelligent transformation of mining fleets has become a clear industry trend, especially among large-scale operations seeking to reduce emissions and improve operational performance.

The company said the agreement with Codelco is a key step in its strategy to integrate more deeply into the global mining supply chain and better serve major international mining customers.

Strategic move in Chile’s copper mining industry

Chile is the world’s leading copper-producing country, and Codelco remains one of the most influential players in global mining. For XCMG, signing an MoU with the Chilean miner represents not only a commercial opportunity, but also a strategic opening in a market increasingly focused on decarbonization and fleet modernization.

While XCMG already has mining equipment operating in Chile — including its XDE130 truck at Pucobre’s El Espino project — the new agreement with Codelco could elevate the company’s position in the country to a new level.

The announcement also follows previous engagements and contracts between XCMG and other major global miners, including Fortescue, Rio Tinto and BHP, reflecting the company’s broader ambition to expand its role in the international mining equipment market.

Focus on zero-carbon and autonomous mining solutions

In recent years, XCMG has expanded investment in new energy technologies and intelligent mining systems, developing a portfolio of zero-carbon mining equipment that includes:

• all-electric rigid mining trucks
• wide-body mining trucks
• autonomous and cabless vehicles
• electric mining excavators
• electric loaders
• electric dozers

Among its flagship developments are 100 unmanned all-electric mining trucks that have entered large-scale operation at China Huaneng’s Yimin coal mine in Inner Mongolia, using battery-swapping technology.

The company says these developments are part of its effort to help accelerate the transition toward zero-emission mining operations.

China-Chile cooperation in mining equipment

XCMG described the agreement with Codelco as a landmark result of growing cooperation between China and Chile in mining equipment and technology.

The company also said the signing strengthens its South American strategy and reinforces its commitment to supporting the mining industry’s shift toward safer, cleaner and smarter operations.

Looking ahead, XCMG said it will continue to invest in technology innovation and work with global partners to contribute solutions for the green transformation of the mining sector.

Mining electrification gains momentum in Latin America

The MoU reflects a broader trend across Latin America’s mining sector, where producers are increasingly evaluating electric haul trucks, autonomous systems and lower-emission equipment as part of decarbonization strategies.

For Chile in particular, where copper producers are under growing pressure to reduce carbon intensity and improve sustainability performance, partnerships with equipment suppliers will be critical to advancing next-generation mining operations.