Mine expansion for Grove RTs

Graña y Montero Holdings construction company (GyM) is using a fleet of Grove rough terrain cranes to help with the expansion of an open-pit copper and molybdenum mine in southern Peru.

The expansion project is expected to cost around US$ 4.6 billion. Production capacity will be 360,000 tonnes a day; almost triple its current capacity. From 2016 the mine will also provide an additional 272,000 tonnes of copper and 7,700 tonnes of molybdenum a year, a spokesperson added.

GyM is the main contractor for the project. So far the company has put Grove RT9130Es, RT880Es, and RT765E-2 rough terrain cranes to work at the mine. Work for the cranes includes helping with the construction of access roads and platforms and building concentrating facilities. Other work includes installing water pipes and assembling conveyors and chutes.

Carlos Albinagorta, GyM manager of equipment and logistics, said, “We chose Grove rough terrain cranes for this project because many of their standard features make them ideal for use in mining sites. Especially the four-wheel drive and smooth controls, which makes it easy to navigate the cranes over uneven ground and operate in harsh environmental conditions. We’re relying on this great equipment for such an important project as the expansion of one of Peru’s largest mines and we’re confident we’ve made the right choice.”

“As long as commodities prices continue to be competitive and global demand remains stable, conditions will stay favourable in our region, which will only help grow crane sales,” Castillo added. “Domestic issues in some countries pose challenges for short-term projections, but in the medium and long-term landscape this part of the world is well-positioned to thrive.”

Cristian Galaz, Manitowoc vice president of sales for South America, said, “Mega projects, such as the copper mine’s expansion, need dependable equipment that comes with a high-level of technical support to guarantee they are completed on schedule."