DMC Mining Services says it is ramping up activity in Chile, after being awarded five new contracts at the end of 2019.

One of North America’s premier underground contractors, DMC recently secured work at KGHM’s Franke and Sierra Gorda mines, in the Antofagasta region, in addition to a boxhole boring assignment at Codelco’s El Teniente mine, near Rancagua.

To ensure maximum reliability and performance for its clients, the company has invested in new equipment, it said.

For its drilling project at the open-pit Franke mine, two truck mounted Sandvik DE712 diamond drills have been delivered to site. Two additional units, Sandvik DE881 multi-purpose drills, will follow in order to increase drilling capability for this project and an additional project at Sierra Gorda, a 110,000 t/d of ore open-pit operation, it said.

For the boxhole boring project at Codelco’s El Teniente mine, the biggest underground copper mine in the world, DMC has taken delivery of a Herrenknecht BBM1500 boxhole boring machine. Two additional BBR1500 units are on order, which include back-reaming capability to create larger diameter raises, it said.

DMC said: “We are proud of the progress our Chilean team has accomplished over several short months, and that our clients can always rely on DMC’s dedication, expertise and professionalism on any project, no matter where in the world we work.”

As its Chile team ramps up on these new projects, DMC is establishing a turnkey, comprehensive operation ready to serve not only new Chile clients, but all of the South American mining industry – with raiseboring, shaft sinking, underground mining and engineering capabilities – it said.