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
Pilbara production record as Rio Tinto releases Q2 results
(Posted on 16/07/26)Rio Tinto has driven performance to achieve 3% YoY CuEq1 growth in the first half of 2026.Chief Executive... Read more
Record iron ore production helps strengthen BHP growth pipeline
(Posted on 16/07/26)BHP have released its Operational Review for the year ended 30 June 2026.Chief Executive Officer, Brandon... Read more
Stranded sulphur cargoes in Gulf face mounting corrosion risk, warns Brookes Bell
(Posted on 07/07/26)Bulk carriers carrying elemental sulphur cargoes in the Strait of Hormuz are at significant risk of... Read more
BHP and Faraday Copper sign definitive San Manuel agreement
(Posted on 06/07/26)Further to BHP’s announcement in February, BHP, through a wholly owned subsidiary, has executed... Read more
Urea price dive hits Australian grain suppliers
(Posted on 03/07/26)Australia’s Federal Government's fertiliser support package has come under scrutiny as global... Read more
SSAB pauses work at construction site in Luleå
(Posted on 30/06/26)SSAB has once again paused work at the construction site for its new steel mill in Luleå, Sweden... Read more
Trafigura issues USD500 million senior bond
(Posted on 29/06/26)Trafigura Group Pte Ltd. has announced the issuance of a USD500 million senior Reg S bond with a five... Read more
NGFA welcomes Senate Farm Bill proposal
(Posted on 29/06/26)The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) in the USA has welcomed the release of Senate Agriculture... Read more
Agreement paves way to deliver 2.7 million tonnes of additional copper production
(Posted on 25/06/26)Anglo American plc, through its 50.1%-owned subsidiary, Anglo American Sur S.A., and Codelco, have announced... Read more
SSAB and partners launch closed loop steel recycling initiative in US
(Posted on 24/06/26)SSAB Americas, The Greenbrier Companies and Alter Trading are partnering on a circular economy project... Read more
