TelestackVan AalstPort of South LouisianaViganSailors SocietyTMS Awards 2023
  • Geneva Dry
  • Vigan
  • Van Aalst
  • TBA Group
  • Port of Stockton
  • Telestack

BHP and Microsoft use AI to lift Escondida copper recovery

BHP and Microsoft use AI to lift Escondida copper recovery

(Posted on 31/05/23)

A new collaboration between BHP and Microsoft has used artificial intelligence and machine learning with the aim of improving copper recovery at the world’s largest copper mine.

The use of new digital technology to optimise concentrator performance at BHP’s Escondida operation in Chile is expected to improve copper recovery. 

BHP Chief Technical Officer Laura Tyler said by augmenting new digital technology capabilities with new ways of working, the team at Escondida is well-positioned to generate more value from an existing resource.

“We expect the next big wave in mining to come from the advanced use of digital technologies. As grades decline at existing copper mines and fewer new economic discoveries are made, next-generation technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics will need to be used to unlock more production and value from our existing mines,” she said.

BHP estimates the world would need to double the amount of copper produced over the next 30 years, relative to the past 30, to keep pace with the development of decarbonisation technology such as electric vehicles, offshore wind and solar farms assumed under its 1.5 degree scenario1. 

“We are excited to partner with BHP on this transformative project that demonstrates the power of AI, machine learning and cloud technologies”, said John Montgomery, CVP, AI Platform at Microsoft. 

By using real-time plant data from the concentrators in combination with AI-based recommendations from Microsoft’s Azure platform, the concentrator operators at Escondida will have the ability to adjust operational variables that affect ore processing and grade recovery. 

BHP is a top three global producer of copper and has the largest copper endowment of any company globally2. BHP has operated Escondida, an open-cut mine located in the Atacama Desert in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile, for over 30 years.  

Latest News

Bühler opens grain puffing technology centre

(Posted on 15/06/25)

Bühler has opened its new Puffing Application Center in Uzwil, Switzerland, providing food... Read more


Ore sorting demonstration project at Havre-Saint-Pierre mine launched

(Posted on 15/06/25)

Rio Tinto is investing CA$7.6 million in an industrial demonstration project to assess the integration... Read more


Bühler sets new global standard with state-of-the-art Milling Academy

(Posted on 15/06/25)

Bühler has opened a new, state-of-the-art Milling Academy – a 1,800-square-meter training... Read more


Anglo American completes demerger of Valterra Platinum

(Posted on 06/06/25)

Anglo American plc has announced that it has completed the demerger of c.51% of the Company’s... Read more


Western Range iron ore mine in Pilbara opened with Yinhawangka owners

(Posted on 06/06/25)

Rio Tinto has officially opened its newest iron ore mine, Western Range, with Western Australian Premier... Read more


Heidelberg presents Strategy 2030 to accelerate profitable growth

(Posted on 02/06/25)

Heidelberg Materials has presented its “Strategy 2030: Making a Material Difference” at... Read more


Continued stability forecast for EU compound feed production

(Posted on 31/05/25)

The European Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC) market experts have forecast continued stability... Read more


US grain and feed industry concerned about initial MAHA report

(Posted on 31/05/25)

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission has released a report that outlined potential contributors... Read more


First gallium extraction from Rio Tinto/Indium alumina refining process

(Posted on 15/05/25)

Rio Tinto and its new partner Indium Corporation have successfully extracted the first primary gallium... Read more


Anglo American appoints Tom McCulley as Technical Director

(Posted on 15/05/25)

Anglo American has appointed Tom McCulley as Technical Director. Tom McCulley’s appointment follows... Read more


Port of StocktonCimbriaTBA GroupGeneva DryBühler GmbH
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Sailors Society
  • Port of South Louisiana

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping