Text Box: One of five Atlas Copco's electric E-Air H250 compressors on siteA yellow generator in a quarry Description automatically generatedSituated in Vila Viçosa, at the heart of the Alentejo region, Solubema Quarry is Portugal’s largest marble quarry and a key supplier of premium stone to global markets. Operating in an unforgiving environment where summer temperatures soar to 45°C and winter chills dip as low as -4°C, the quarry also contends with relentless dust from its daily operations. In these tough conditions, maintaining efficiency and productivity is a significant challenge. To overcome these hurdles, Solubema Quarry has deployed five Atlas Copco E-Air H250 VSD portable air compressors, designed to excel in the toughest environments.

Tiago Gonçalves, Operations Manager at Solubema Quarry, explains the quarry’s unique demands: “The environment here tests every piece of equipment. The extreme heat, the cold, and the constant dust require machinery that can handle any challenge it is faced with. With Atlas Copco’s E-Air portable compressors, we’ve found a solution that is both reliable and efficient, even in these hard conditions.”

One of five Atlas Copco's electric E-Air H250 compressors on site

Prioritising productivity and efficiency

Text Box: Atlas Copco's portable E-Air H250 VSD powering critical equipmentThe E-Air H250 VSD portable air compressors have become essential to the daily operations at Solubema Quarry. The electric units power critical equipment, including stone-cutting machines, drilling rigs, and pneumatic hammers, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of compressed air. The electric drive eliminates the need for an internal combustion engine, ensuring a consistent supply of emission-free air. Because the units produce no local emissions, they can safely operate near the marble stone and site operators without causing any harm. This feature aligns perfectly with the company’s commitment to enhancing working conditions and reducing emissions.

The portable compressors’ Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology optimises energy use, adapting to the specific demands of each application. By replacing older, less efficient diesel units, the electric mobile compressors have significantly reduced the quarry’s operational costs while maintaining high productivity. According to Gonçalves, “Atlas Copco’s E-Air units have delivered transformative results. Their efficiency has lowered our energy usage, while their robustness has reduced the time and cost associated with maintenance.”

A partnership built on trust

Beyond the performance of the equipment itself, Solubema Quarry has benefited from Atlas Copco’s extensive customer service. With a robust global support network and quick access to spare parts, the quarry has experienced minimal downtime, ensuring operations continue without disruption. Gonçalves emphasises the importance of this collaboration: “Atlas Copco’s team is always available to support us, and their equipment consistently performs at the highest level. This partnership has been instrumental in helping us meet our productivity goals.”

Setting the standard for quarry operations

In a region where environmental conditions are as demanding as the work itself, Solubema Quarry continues to push the boundaries of operational efficiency. With Atlas Copco’s electric E-Air H250 VSD portable air compressors at the heart of its operations, the quarry demonstrates how reliable machines can transform the toughest conditions into opportunities for growth and success.

A large rock wall with a machine in front of it Description automatically generated

Atlas Copco's portable E-Air H250 VSD in Portugal's largest marble quarry