
Darko Louit Nevistic CEO
KOMATSU HOLDING SOUTH AMERICA & KOMATSU CUMMINS CHILE
"In Chile and Peru, the current leaders in the Latin American mining industry, we expect growth to come primarily through brownfield expansions in the medium term."
Can you provide an overview of Komatsu's performance in the last 12 months?
In Peru, we started delivering a new fleet of 980 SE trucks to Antamina, where we have recently been awarded a second batch of units. In Chile, we have expanded our autonomous fleet operations and introduced the P&H 4800XPC shovel, which is the largest shovel in the market. How is Komatsu approaching technological innovation and acquisitions?
Komatsu has developed a comprehensive technology roadmap focused on creating a smart, cleaner, safer workplace. Our technological approach centers on automation, optimization, analytics, artificial intelligence for operational and planning decisions, and decarbonization. We are particularly focused on developing technologies that can help mining companies optimize their operations, reduce environmental impact, and address challenges such as worker safety and remote location staffing. Our recent acquisitions are strategically aligned with these objectives. As an example, we have acquired a Chilean company that complements our mining technology solutions, particularly in the area of production control and fleet management, enhancing our capability to help our customers to optimize their operations. Can you elaborate on Komatsu's approach to data and technological integration?
We have developed Komatsu Cloud, an ecosystem designed to capture and leverage data from equipment and production systems. This platform allows us to gather information into a central data lake, which can then be used to optimize operations. The innovative aspect of our approach is creating an open ecosystem where not just our internal tools, but also third-party developers can create solutions that benefit mining customers. Another key innovation is our Power Agnostic trucks platform. This approach allows for flexible power source transitions - from diesel to electric to potentially hydrogen fuel cells in the future. By designing equipment with the possibility of changing power sources, we ensure our customers can adapt to emerging technologies without requiring equipment replacement or major, expensive transformations.
We are also exploring multiple charging technologies, from overhead trolley to side rail charging, recognizing that one solution does not fit all operations. How do you view the current mining market in Latin America?
The fundamentals of the copper market are very strong. We anticipate healthy copper prices for a relatively long period, driven by the projected demand from electrification. In Chile and Peru, which are the current leaders in the Latin American mining industry, we expect growth to come primarily through brownfield expansions in the medium term. Chile remains the largest mining market in Latin America, and we believe it will continue to be a leader for several years. The market is characterized by aging deposits, declining grades, and increasing extraction challenges. These factors are driving mining companies to adopt new technologies more rapidly to maintain and increase production levels. What trends are you seeing in mining technology adoption?
The mining industry's willingness to adopt new technologies has accelerated due to multiple interconnected factors. First, the need to optimize output from aging deposits with lower grades and longer extraction distances is pushing companies to seek technological solutions. Second, there is an increased focus on safety, with automation and innovative equipment design helping to eliminate risks and create safer working environments. Third, environmental commitments are driving significant interest in reducing carbon emissions. Mining companies are actively seeking technologies that can help them meet their sustainability goals. These trends are pushing original equipment manufacturers like Komatsu to develop technologies faster and more innovatively. What are Komatsu's plans for 2025?
For 2025, we are looking to build upon our successful 2024 performance. We plan to continue growing our autonomous fleet in open-pit mining, with commitments to delivering equipment across different sites. We are also exploring interesting scenarios for incorporating new technologies in the construction sector. We see 2025 as a year of growth and consolidation of our market presence in the region, despite the uncertainty generated by recent geopolitical developments. We remain positive about the opportunities in the Latin American mining market and our ability to contribute to its evolution through innovative technological solutions. We are particularly excited about continuing to develop technologies that address the mining industry's key challenges: safety, productivity, environmental sustainability, and operational efficiency.