Advanced remote monitoring systems from Liebherr are helping SQM reduce unplanned downtime of heavy machinery through predictive maintenance.
Since their deployment at SQM’s Nueva Victoria iodine mine, Liebherr’s PR 776 G8 crawler dozers have demonstrated how advanced remote monitoring can improve equipment reliability and availability in demanding mining environments.
Through continuous digital monitoring of machine performance and condition, SQM is able to track the operational health of the PR 776 G8 fleet in real time. Key parameters such as engine performance, hydraulic pressures, fuel consumption and component temperatures are monitored continuously, enabling maintenance teams to quickly identify potential issues before they escalate into unplanned downtime.
For the world’s largest iodine producer, this data-driven approach supports more predictable operations while ensuring the machines consistently deliver the high pushing power and fuel efficiency expected from the PR 776 G8 – the largest hydrostatic dozer currently available.
“During the first months of operation, the performance data has confirmed the PR 776 G8’s strong pushing power, smooth operation, good stability and low diesel consumption,” says Nelson Torres, operations vice president of SQM.
Liebherr Chile has supported SQM’s Nueva Victoria operation since two R 9200 excavators were delivered to the site in 2019. In late 2024, the company also received the first R 9300 excavator in South America, followed by a second unit in October 2025. With the addition of the PR 776 G8 crawler dozers and L 586 XPower wheel loaders, the Liebherr fleet at Nueva Victoria now totals eight machines.
Data-Driven Maintenance
The integration of remote monitoring systems allows SQM to move beyond traditional reactive maintenance strategies. Instead, real-time operational data enables maintenance teams to implement predictive maintenance practices that improve machine uptime and extend component life.
By continuously analysing machine health indicators, potential faults can be detected early and maintenance work scheduled proactively. This approach helps prevent unexpected failures, reduce idle time and maintain steady production.
Remote monitoring also provides valuable insight into machine utilisation and operating conditions. Fleet managers can analyse performance trends, identify inefficiencies and optimise operating practices to ensure equipment is used within optimal parameters.
Supporting High Equipment Availability
For large surface mining operations such as Nueva Victoria, maintaining high equipment availability is critical to sustaining production targets. Advanced remote monitoring systems provide the visibility needed to ensure machines continue operating at peak performance.
Liebherr Chile, together with Liebherr-Mining Equipment Colmar SAS and Liebherr-Werk Telfs GmbH, provides ongoing technical support and data-driven maintenance expertise to SQM. Through this collaboration, machine performance data can be analysed to identify emerging trends, refine maintenance strategies and support continuous improvement in fleet reliability.
By combining high-capacity mining equipment with advanced digital monitoring, SQM is strengthening operational efficiency while ensuring the long-term reliability and availability of its heavy machinery fleet.
