In the rugged landscape of Portugal’s Alentejo region, the Solubema Quarry stands as both the country’s largest marble supplier and a testament to operational endurance. With temperatures soaring to 45°C in summer and plunging to –4°C in winter, combined with constant airborne dust, the quarry is a true stress test for any machinery deployed on site.
Yet Solubema continues to push forward by prioritizing efficiency and sustainability. To power its demanding extraction and cutting operations, the quarry has turned to Atlas Copco’s E-Air H250 VSD electric portable air compressors units engineered specifically for extreme environments. These compressors have quickly become indispensable in reducing emissions, lowering operating costs and streamlining daily workflows.
Solubema Quarry Operations Manager Tiago Gonçalves explains the stakes clearly:
“Every machine here is pushed to its limits. Extreme heat, cold and dust require equipment built to withstand anything. With Atlas Copco’s E-Air compressors, we finally found a reliable, efficient solution for this environment.”
Electrifying Performance for a Critical Industry
Compressed air is the lifeline of marble production—powering stone-cutting machinery, drilling rigs and heavy pneumatic tools. While diesel-powered compressors have traditionally dominated the industry, they come with a host of challenges: high fuel consumption, high emissions and continuous maintenance requirements.
Atlas Copco’s E-Air H250 VSD electric compressors eliminate these pain points by replacing internal combustion with clean, consistent and emission-free operation. Their advantages are clear:
- Zero local emissions: Improving air quality for workers and preserving the pristine marble surfaces.
- Lower running costs: Eliminating fuel expenses and significantly reducing maintenance needs.
- VSD technology: Precisely adjusts airflow to actual demand, ensuring optimal energy efficiency at every moment.
By transitioning away from diesel, Solubema has achieved measurable performance gains without sacrificing power.
“The E-Air units have transformed our productivity,” says Gonçalves. “They reduce energy consumption, perform flawlessly and require less maintenance. It’s a winning combination.”
A Partnership Built on Trust and Reliability
Beyond the machines themselves, Atlas Copco’s support infrastructure plays a vital role in Solubema’s success. Quarry operations depend on tight schedules, leaving no room for downtime. With rapid access to spare parts and a dedicated service team, Solubema maintains uninterrupted production.
“The Atlas Copco team is always there when we need them,” Gonçalves emphasizes. “Their commitment and the consistent performance of the equipment help us meet our efficiency goals.”
This reliability both in hardware and after-sales service has made Atlas Copco an integral partner in Solubema’s long-term operational strategy.
Setting New Standards for Sustainable Quarrying
Precision, durability and environmental responsibility define Portugal’s marble industry. As quarry operators shift toward greener practices, Atlas Copco’s electric compressors stand out as a proven, future-ready solution.
Solubema’s operations demonstrate that even the most challenging conditions can foster innovation. With the E-Air H250 VSD at its core, the quarry is not only extracting marble but also shaping the next chapter of sustainable mining.
By blending cutting-edge technology with an unwavering commitment to performance, Solubema offers a glimpse into the future of eco-efficient stone quarrying where resilience and sustainability work hand in hand.
