In May 2026, in its Q1 results, Finning said that its South America operation had received a large equipment order from Glencore for the reopening of the Alumbrera copper mine in Argentina. It said: “This includes the supply of more than 20 large Caterpillar mining trucks along with ancillary equipment and technology support, for delivery expected from Q4 2026 through 2028.”
Finning Argentina recently gave some further details on the project – it says it was awarded the contract to supply a comprehensive solution involving 51 Caterpillar equipment units, plus maintenance services and digital technologies, “within the framework of an investment of more than US$250 million aimed at the restart of one of the most emblematic mining operations in Argentina.”
The project includes the supply of a new fleet of 22 Cat® 793 trucks, three Cat® 6060 FS hydraulic shovels and large-scale ancillary equipment including a Cat D11 dozer, 77 water truck and Cat 336 excavators, as well as a comprehensive support model that encompasses 24/7 transport, assembly, commissioning and maintenance.
The maintenance agreement also covers a fleet of Caterpillar trucks already at the site; with the digital technologies including MineStar Fleet – Cat’s integrated fleet monitoring and management system that tracks mobile assets, optimises production cycles, and works with mixed-brand equipment.
The company said the project will also generate employment opportunities and local capacity building, reinforcing Finning’s commitment to communities and the growth of the Argentine mining industry.
It added: “This award reflects our ability to accompany customers with comprehensive solutions that combine equipment, technology, service and specialised knowledge, contributing to a more productive, efficient and sustainable operation.”
In April 2026, Sandvik also announced that it had secured an order from Glencore to supply three DR413i rotary blasthole drill rigs for the restart of Alumbrera as well as rebuild services to Glencore for three D75KS rotary blasthole drill rigs and three DP1500 crawled-based surface drill rigs, as well as labour and parts for maintenance of the whole fleet.
Alumbrera is now operated by MARA (Minera Agua Rica – Alumbrera), which was formed from the merger of Minera Agua Rica LLC Sucursal Argentina and Minera Alumbrera Ltd. The project plans to use the existing Alumbrera processing facilities, located 35 km from the Agua Rica pit, for processing the ore, with the ore transported using an overland conveyor. Operations are expected to resume at Alumbrera in 2027, with first production slated for 2028. The mine is projected to produce around 73,000 t of copper until June 2031, alongside gold and molybdenum, over an initial four-year life before Agua Rica begins producing in 2031.