Minera Los Pelambres continues to place its trust in Siemens

The mills are intended to increase processing capacity for copper ores. Siemens already equipped two mills for Los Pelambres in 1999 and has been responsible for maintenance of the conveyor belt equipment for more than 10 years.

In 2009, Minera Los Pelambres, an operation of Antofagasta Minerals plc., produced 311,600 metric tons of copper concentrate and 7,800 metric tons of molybdenum. The new ore-grinding mills were built as part of an expansion program which is aimed at increasing copper production by approximately 100,000 metric tons. For this purpose, Siemens supplied the gearless drives for a 36-foot SAG (Semi Autogenous Grinding) mill with a rated power of 15 megawatts and a 26-feet ball mill with 15.5 megawatts of rated power. The order was worth around 16 million euros

Compared to geared motors, gearless drive systems are more efficient, require less maintenance and display a greater degree of availability. Variable speed and transvector control ensure that the operating point of the motor can be set exactly, for example for processing different material hardnesses or for different operating modes.

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies and comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility und Osram. With around 207,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry achieved in fiscal year 2009 total sales of approximately €35 billion.

The Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities comprising the business activities of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies, Water Technologies and Industrial Technologies. Activities include engineering and installation, operation and service for the entire life cycle. A wide-ranging portfolio of environmental solutions helps industrial companies to use energy, water and equipment efficiently, reduce emissions and comply with environmental guidelines. With around 31,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Solutions posted sales of €6.8 billion in fiscal year 2009.