Can you describe the history of Sattel?

Sattel was created to provide new and innovative technologies for the mining industry, focused on increasing efficiency, safety, and productivity. We were founded with the need to develop solutions to industry issues; one of our first challenges was at Anglo American, where they were looking to reduce electrical incidents to improve the availability and reliability of the fleet along with safety in their operations. Our PDA (Protector of Auxiliary Devices) solution was born and is now installed in more than 1,000 pieces of mining equipment throughout Chile.

Our main clients are BHP Escondida, Anglo American, the Antofagasta Minerals group, Lundin Mining, etc. In addition, the company is present in the Peruvian market with two active projects in Southern Copper and Quellaveco. We also have a presence in Brazil with our local dealer Besc Global and in the Australian market after a suggestion from BHP's innovation area due to the success of our PDA project in their Escondida operation in Chile, where we established a technology transfer alliance with a local supplier Elite. Sattel has a team of almost 100 employees, and we continue to grow.

Can you describe the advantages of your products?

Sattel offers several core products focused on providing technology solutions. For example, at Kinross, Antofagasta Minerals Zaldivar, Gold Fields, Manto Verde, and other major mines, we have installed our Mine Access Control System (SICAM), which allows the company to control with hard barriers the access to restricted areas of the mining operations, such as the mine area. The system tracks the worker from the moment he enters the bus to go to the mine until the moment he returns home.

We have also promoted and installed our SCIC solution; a wireless control system for water tankers, fully automating the process of loading water into the tanker. The system controls the water flow, ensuring that the truck is filled to 100% of its capacity with no water overflow.

What is your presence in the lithium industry?

We have recently conducted a pilot at the SQM plant for level monitoring of the trucks that transport brine from Salar de Atacama to the plant. The pilot was a success and SQM has already asked us to install the solution in the entire fleet. Other companies in the lithium sector have also asked us for the same solution. There is much room to improve efficiency and develop better operational practices in the lithium industry.

Can you describe your work on solar-powered trailers?

The trailers we manufacture are fully hybrid, with the ability to use solar energy for their travel. Sometimes customers prefer cheaper products, but the cost-benefit analysis does not always make sense due to environmental issues and operating costs. Our offerings are more efficient and environmentally friendly and reduce refueling logistics.

What is your innovation process?

For Sattel, innovation is a daily process that stems from the needs of our customers. If our customer has a problem, he calls us, and we work to solve it. That problem can be operational or related to efficiency. Whatever it is, we focus on solving it.

Often, we look to do a local pilot. Based on the results of the pilot, we discuss options with the client and then determine what can and should be implemented further. We innovate by testing our ideas with the customer in real-time and using that information to improve our customers' decision-making capabilities. It's a customized innovation process.

Can you tell us about Sattel's strategy for the rest of the year?

Our priority for 2023 and 2024 is to consolidate Sattel as a technology company that is both positioned in the industry and present in the Peruvian and Brazilian markets, which are markets that open up an infinite field of opportunities. Consolidating our presence in these countries does not mean that we focus exclusively on them. We are sure that the same problems in Chile are also present in other mining markets such as Canada, US, etc. Our solutions are useful throughout the sector and in companies worldwide, and our intention is to consolidate our strength in the current regions, always recognizing the value we can bring to the mining industry worldwide.