CHILE; DENMARK —European mineral processing technology provider FLSmidth (FLS) has secured an equipment supply contract valued at DKK 360 million to support a large-scale copper mine expansion project located in Northern Chile. Under the terms of the agreement, the supplier will manufacture and deliver primary comminution and grinding systems designed for high-throughput ore processing. Deliveries include advanced gyratory crushers, a high-capacity SAG mill, and ball grinding units equipped with Gearless Mill Drives and specialized wear protection components. The scope of supply covers full equipment delivery, initial commissioning services, and a one-year provision of operational spare parts, with installation scheduled to take place between late 2029 and early 2030.
FLSmidth is a global engineering firm headquartered in Denmark that specializes in supplying equipment, technology, and lifecycle services to the global mining and cement industries. The procurement contract was formally booked in the third quarter of 2026 and aligns with the group's existing full-year financial projections.
This capital equipment commitment highlights ongoing investments in South American copper infrastructure aimed at counteracting long-term ore grade decline. By deploying large-scale processing machinery and gearless drive systems, mining operators seek to optimize energy efficiency, increase throughput capacity, and lower operational overhead per metric ton of processed ore. The implementation of high-capacity processing technologies remains critical for maintaining yield stability in major copper-producing hubs.
The procurement contract demonstrates sustained capital expenditure across the global base metals industry, driven by long-term demand forecasts for copper in energy transition initiatives. Equipment integration is being executed in coordination with the project's primary engineering, procurement, and construction contractor to streamline process flow, physical equipment interfaces, and construction schedules. This development highlights stable market demand for long-lead industrial machinery and specialized technical support in primary resource extraction sectors.
