Chile's Codelco, the world's largest copper producer, said on Monday that it had reached an agreement with technology giant Microsoft to quickly track the digitization of its vast mining business, help it expand automation and improve its analytical capabilities.
The joint project with Microsoft will enhance the company's ability to improve the efficiency of its production processes and promote "sustainability" within its operations, Codelco said in a statement.
Like many Chilean miners, Codelco has been trying in recent years to adopt new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of its aging deposits, many of which have declining ore grades.
"We are driving profound changes to make different regions fully remote and automated, reducing risk, improving productivity, safety and reliability," said Alvaro Garcia (Alvaro Garcia), a company executive.
Mining companies around the world are pushing ahead with plans to operate mines remotely to reduce accident risk and improve efficiency.
However, the move towards automation has led to conflicts with trade unions, which they see as a threat to their livelihoods.
The company said the project with Microsoft would include training for its employees.
The state-owned mining company recently stepped up its use of technology to ensure 100 per cent traceability of its copper, an important step towards reducing its carbon footprint and improving operational sustainability.
