Overcoming extreme challenges in Chile's vertical mines with Atlas Copco
14.06.2024At over 4000 m above sea level, Atlas Copco’s portable air compressors are lifting vertical mining operations to new heights; providing the essential toughness, precision and power required for such a high-intensity application.
Atlas Copco's portable XAS 88 air compressor at work in Chilean mine
© Atlas Copco
In the heart of Chile's demanding mining environment, Vertical Mine Chile has been leading the vertical assembly service sector for over 15 years, specializing in the installation, maintenance, and repair of high-altitude structures. Operating in some of the world's most challenging conditions, including extreme altitudes, irregular terrain, and harsh weather, Vertical Mine Chile relies on a range of Atlas Copco’s notoriously rugged portable air compressors and tools to meet these demands.
Meeting extreme environmental challenges
It’s safe to say that Vertical Mine Chile faces unique challenges in their operations. Working at great heights, often on steep slopes or unstable ground, and under severe weather conditions such as strong winds and intense solar radiation, demands robust and reliable equipment. Atlas Copco's portable air compressors and tools are crucial in these high-stakes environments, ensuring the necessary air and mobility.
Atlas Copco's portable XAS 88 air compressor at work in Chilean mine
© Atlas Copco
Marcos Rodríguez, Operations Manager of Vertical Mine Chile, highlights the importance of their equipment: "In the field of industrial vertical works where precision, air, and mobility are fundamental, we have found in Atlas Copco's equipment our most reliable allies. As specialists in the installation, maintenance, and repair of high-altitude structures, we face extreme challenges that demand the best in terms of technology and performance."
Precision and efficiency
Atlas Copco's portable XAS 88 air compressor moved by an helicopter
© Atlas Copco
One of the critical projects includes work at Codelco Andina’s basin, over 4000 m above sea level. Here, Atlas Copco’s portable air compressors are vital for drilling during the installation of dynamic barriers, mesh fortification, and Pexgol pipe anchoring. Vertical Mine Chile utilizes Atlas Copco models XAHS 400, XAS 88, and U190, essential for their operations ranging from drilling to manual operations on the face of the slopes.
"The main challenges we face in our operations include extreme altitude and mobility on complicated ground. Atlas Copco's equipment, such as the XAS 88 and U190 compressors, stand out for their ability to operate at great heights and their ease of movement, which allows us to carry out our tasks with precision and efficiency," adds Rodríguez.
Maximum robustness and specialized technical support
Atlas Copco's portable air compressors are designed, tested, and manufactured to provide low carbon solutions for demanding applications and frequent use. They offer reliable performance in high altitudes, dusty environments, and extreme temperatures, thanks to the exceptional quality of their materials, size, weight, and durable components.
These units feature HardHat™ technology, a robust medium-density polyethylene cover resistant to corrosion, impacts, and fading, ensuring maximum durability in demanding applications. "We chose Atlas Copco's equipment for several reasons. Firstly, their power and reliable quality are unmatched, making them ideal for our specialized operations. Additionally, the ability to move our equipment by helicopter over 4000 m above sea level is crucial, and these compressed air units perform exceptionally well. Plus, the after-sales service has been impeccable, providing us with quick and effective support at all times," Rodríguez notes.
Atlas Copco's portable U190 air compressor at work in a Chilean mine
© Atlas Copco
In an industry where failure is not an option, and the harshest conditions are the norm, Vertical Mine Chile's reliance on Atlas Copco equipment underscores a partnership built on resilience, reliability, and top-tier performance. In one of the world’s toughest environments, Atlas Copco's portable air compressors and tools are essential to ensure the success and safety of critical operations; helping Vertical Mine Chile to set new standards for excellence in high-altitude industrial operations.
