Case Study: Los Pelambres boosts copper output with SKYWAVE satellite IoT fuel monitoring

Los Pelambres processes 4,000 more tons of copper with SKYWAVE

Los Pelambres, a major copper mine in Chile, faced significant operational challenges after implementing a fast refueling system for its fleet of Komatsu mining trucks. The high-pressure refueling ruptured the factory-installed fuel sensors, forcing drivers to guess fuel levels. This led to frequent engine downtime from air leaks and inefficient over-filling, which increased the number of refueling stops and created long delays, ultimately hurting revenue. The mine sought a solution from vendor SKYWAVE to install ruggedized sensors and gain real-time visibility.

SKYWAVE's solution, implemented by integrator Tarco, utilized the IDP-782 terminal and the PCR 1000 remote fuel monitoring system. The ruggedized system transmitted real-time fuel level and location data via cellular and satellite networks. This allowed the control center to optimize refueling schedules, adding 1,200 more liters per stop. For SKYWAVE, the results were highly measurable: each truck made 10 fewer stops per month, gaining four hours of additional work time. This enabled the mine to process an additional 4,000 tons of copper, significantly improving profitability.

Los Pelambres