Codelco Forges Strategic Alliance with CEA-Liten to Electrify Underground Mining Operations

Santiago, Chile – In a pivotal move signaling a deepening commitment to sustainable mining practices and operational safety, Codelco, the state-owned copper giant, announced on June 12, 2026, a significant one-year agreement with the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission's laboratory for innovation in new energy technologies and nanomaterials (CEA-Liten). Signed at Codelco’s headquarters in Santiago, Chile, this agreement is set to propel the electrification of equipment used in underground mining, addressing critical industry needs for decarbonization and improved working conditions.

The collaboration specifically targets advanced simulations, comprehensive laboratory testing of lithium batteries, and thorough techno-economic analyses. These efforts are designed to overcome the complex technical and logistical hurdles associated with transitioning heavy-duty mining machinery from traditional fossil fuels to electric power. The initiative is not merely a corporate endeavor; it is a multi-stakeholder partnership involving governmental backing, academic expertise, and specialized industrial suppliers, reflecting a holistic approach to technological advancement in a strategic global industry.

A Strategic Alliance for Deep Decarbonization

The formal signing ceremony was a significant event, attended by senior Codelco executives, representatives from the CEA-Liten team, leading academic figures, and notably, the French Ambassador to Chile, Cyrille Rogeau. This high-level participation underscores the strategic importance of the alliance, not just for the participating entities but also for the diplomatic and economic ties between Chile and France, particularly in the realm of sustainable technologies.

Codelco’s motivation behind this partnership is multifaceted, but at its core lies a dual objective: to achieve ambitious decarbonization targets for its production processes and to significantly enhance safety protocols for its on-site personnel. Underground mining, by its very nature, presents unique environmental challenges, including poor air quality due to diesel emissions, elevated noise levels, and inherent risks associated with fuel storage and refueling operations. The adoption of electric vehicles and equipment directly addresses these concerns, promising a healthier, safer, and cleaner operational environment.

Felipe Lagno, Codelco’s corporate manager of innovation and technology, articulated the company’s vision, stating, “Beyond accessing cutting-edge technologies, we seek to develop frontier knowledge in partnership with centres of excellence, universities and industry. With alliances like this, we are accelerating the Chilean industry’s transition to sustainable, safe and globally competitive mining.” This statement highlights Codelco’s strategy of leveraging external expertise to drive internal transformation and establish new industry benchmarks.

Funding a Sustainable Future: Collaboration Beyond Corporate Walls

The financial bedrock of this ambitious project is a testament to shared commitment. Jointly funded by Codelco and the French Government, the latter’s contribution is channeled through the Fund for Studies and Assistance to the Private Sector (FASEP). This specific FASEP fund is strategically designed to promote the transfer of sustainable technologies to critical sectors, making the mining industry a prime candidate given its environmental footprint and economic significance.

Beyond the corporate and governmental entities, the project integrates crucial academic participation from the University of Chile. Through its esteemed Advanced Mining Technology Centre and the Centre for Sustainable Acceleration of Electromobility, the university will contribute invaluable research capabilities, theoretical insights, and a pipeline for future talent. This academic involvement ensures that the project benefits from fundamental scientific understanding and cutting-edge research methodologies, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

A key technical partner in this endeavor is WattAlps, a French battery manufacturer. WattAlps has been tasked with the critical responsibility of designing and supplying the specialized lithium batteries that will undergo rigorous testing. These batteries are to be evaluated at the advanced laboratories located in Grenoble, France, a renowned hub for technological innovation and energy research. The selection of WattAlps underscores the international nature of the collaboration, bringing together best-in-class expertise from both nations to tackle a global industry challenge.

Operationalizing the Electrification Mandate

Under the terms of the one-year agreement, Codelco and CEA-Liten will engage in a tightly structured program of work across several interconnected fronts. The comprehensive approach is designed to systematically evaluate, develop, and validate the technological solutions required for large-scale electrification:

  • Crafting Technical Specifications: This foundational step involves defining the precise performance, durability, safety, and operational requirements for electric mining equipment and their battery systems within Codelco's unique operational environments.
  • Assessing Technological Maturity: A critical review will be conducted to evaluate the readiness levels of various available electrification technologies. This involves scrutinizing existing solutions and identifying promising innovations that have the potential for rapid deployment and scalability.
  • Evaluating Technical and Economic Parameters: A detailed techno-economic analysis will assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of key electrification options. This includes evaluating initial capital expenditure, operational costs, maintenance requirements, and potential returns on investment, providing a clear economic rationale for decision-making.
  • In-Depth Battery Testing: CEA-Liten’s advanced research facilities will be utilized for comprehensive testing of the WattAlps-designed lithium batteries. These tests will simulate the extreme conditions encountered in underground mining, assessing parameters such as energy density, power output, lifespan, charging efficiency, thermal management, and safety under various stress factors.

The collective outcomes derived from this intensive collaboration are anticipated to form the basis for a strategic plan, which will in turn guide potential future research and development projects between Codelco and CEA-Liten. This forward-looking approach ensures that the initial one-year commitment is not an end in itself but a stepping stone towards sustained innovation and long-term technological partnership.

The Imperative for Electrification: Safety, Sustainability, and Competitiveness

The mining industry globally is under increasing pressure to improve its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. For heavy industries like mining, decarbonization is a paramount environmental objective, and electrification offers a direct and potent pathway. By replacing diesel-powered fleets with electric alternatives, Codelco aims to significantly reduce its Scope 1 (direct) carbon emissions, contributing to Chile’s national climate targets and enhancing its global reputation as a responsible producer.

Beyond environmental benefits, the safety advantages of electric mining equipment are profound. Diesel engines produce harmful particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide, necessitating extensive and energy-intensive ventilation systems in underground mines. Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, leading to substantially improved air quality for workers. Furthermore, electric machines typically operate with lower noise levels, reducing acoustic exposure and facilitating better communication. The elimination of on-site fossil fuel storage and refueling processes also mitigates fire risks and simplifies logistics, further enhancing overall operational safety.

From an operational standpoint, electric equipment often presents advantages in terms of maintenance. With fewer moving parts and no requirements for liquid fuels or lubricants, electric motors can offer higher reliability and potentially lower maintenance costs over their lifespan. The potential for regenerative braking in downhill hauls also offers energy recovery capabilities, enhancing overall energy efficiency. These factors contribute directly to Codelco's stated goal of achieving "sustainable, safe and globally competitive mining."

Broader Context: Codelco's Diversification and ESG Focus

This electrification agreement with CEA-Liten is not an isolated initiative but fits squarely within Codelco’s evolving corporate strategy emphasizing sustainability and diversification. In December of the previous year (2025), Codelco, in partnership with SQM, launched the NovaAndino Litio joint venture. This significant undertaking is focused on the exploration, extraction, production, and marketing of lithium in the Salar de Atacama, Chile. The move into lithium, a critical component for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage, positions Codelco at the forefront of the global energy transition, not only as a primary producer of copper but also as a key player in the supply chain for electrification technologies.

The synergy between Codelco's lithium venture and its efforts to electrify its own operations highlights a comprehensive strategic vision. As a major consumer of battery technology for its future fleet, Codelco gains invaluable insights into battery performance and requirements, which can inform its long-term lithium market strategy. Conversely, its leadership in copper mining, an essential material for all electrical infrastructure, underscores its pivotal role in enabling the global shift to a low-carbon economy.

Implications for the Global Mining Sector

The Codelco-CEA-Liten collaboration serves as a potent case study and potential blueprint for the global mining industry. As mining companies worldwide grapple with stringent environmental regulations, growing stakeholder pressure for ESG performance, and the need to optimize operational costs, electrification emerges as a compelling solution. The detailed technical and economic analyses conducted under this agreement, coupled with real-world battery testing, will provide invaluable data and insights that can accelerate technology adoption across other mining operations globally. The challenges faced by Codelco, particularly in its deep underground operations, are representative of those encountered in many other large-scale mining projects, making its learnings highly transferable.

Furthermore, the involvement of national governments and academic institutions in this project highlights a growing trend towards cross-sectoral collaboration to address complex industrial challenges. Such partnerships are crucial for pooling resources, sharing risks, and leveraging diverse expertise to drive innovation at the scale required for a true energy transition.

Forward Outlook: Paving the Way for Future Innovations

The one-year timeline for this initial phase suggests an intense period of data collection, analysis, and foundational research. The outcomes are expected to inform a clear strategic roadmap for future R&D, potentially leading to further phases of collaboration, including pilot projects and eventual large-scale deployment. The successful implementation of electric equipment in Codelco’s mines could set new industry standards for operational efficiency, environmental performance, and worker safety.

The project's focus on lithium battery technology is particularly critical. Developing robust, high-density, rapidly chargeable, and durable battery solutions capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of mining environments – including significant temperature fluctuations, heavy vibrations, and deep cycling – remains a key technical challenge. The expertise of CEA-Liten, combined with WattAlps' manufacturing capabilities, promises to push the boundaries of current battery technology for industrial applications.

As Codelco continues its transformation, this alliance with CEA-Liten is positioned to be a cornerstone of its journey toward a more sustainable, competitive, and Future-ready mining enterprise, providing valuable lessons and potentially groundbreaking solutions for the entire global mining sector.