The joint project with the technology firm is expected to allow the miner to boost sustainability across its operations
The partnership to enable the Chilean miner to extend automation. (Credit: Khusen Rustamov from Pixabay)
Chile’s state-run mining firm Codelco has partnered with technology company Microsoft to speed up the digitisation of its mining operations.
The partnership with Microsoft is expected to enable the copper producer to extend automation and enhance analytics.
In a statement, Codelco said that the joint project with the US-based technology firm will strengthen its capacity to improve the efficiency of its production processes.
In addition, the project will allow the Chilean miner to boost sustainability across its operations.
Codelco executive Alvaro Garcia was quoted by Reuters as saying: “We are promoting profound changes so that different areas operate in a completely remote and automated way, reducing risks, improving productivity, safety and reliability of our operation.”
Codelco is one of the country’s miners that faced difficulties in implementing new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs at its ageing deposits, the news agency said.
The automation move initiated by the company has resulted in concerns being raised by unions, who fear losing jobs.
The Chilean state-run mining firm said that the project to be undertaken with Microsoft will consist of a training programme for its workers.
Recently, the company has expanded the use of technology for the 100% traceability of its copper that could reduce its carbon footprint.
The move is part of its efforts to lower water consumption, recycle industrial waste and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.
Codelco’s CEO Octavio Araneda said: “We can now say that 100% of our products are traced…which will allow us to have a very strong transparency regarding our resource use footprint.”
In March this year, oilfield services company Schlumberger expanded its partnership with Microsoft to offer advanced technologies to the energy industry.
Under the partnership, the companies intend to develop joint solutions using their industry-focused cloud, data and AI innovations and domain expertise.