Chile copper major Codelco says it has deepened a long-term alliance with Microsoft to develop “cutting-edge” artificial intelligence and advanced analytics tools with enhanced digital security.
“Working with a world-class technology partner like Microsoft consolidates our leadership in the mining of the future,” Codelco CEO Ruben Alvarado said this week.
“Faced with an accelerated digital transformation we must process and consider large volumes of data in our operations.
“The objective of this alliance [is] to optimise the management of our assets through innovative solutions, maximising the value we deliver to the state of Chile.”
Alvarado and Microsoft Latin America president Tito Arciniega co-signed a memorandum of understanding to initiate an initial 18-month partnership under a joint governance structure. Arciniega said the alliance underlined the potential of AI to help improve safety, efficiency and sustainability in Chile’s mining sector.
Work areas to be “evaluated” under the MoU included the intensive use of data, advanced analytics and AI to improve decision-making, development of more autonomous and secure operations and automation of critical processes, cybersecurity and worker training.
“The agreement also includes the possibility of developing pilot projects, participating in early testing of new solutions, sharing international experiences, and fostering connections with the innovation ecosystem,” the two companies said.
Also this week Codelco signed an MoU with China’s XCMG to expand supply of large-scale mining equipment and support services to Codelco’s surface and underground copper operations.
