BHP improves copper mine recovery with Microsoft and AI

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BHP Group partners with Microsoft to improve copper recovery through AI

BHP Group, the world’s largest mining company, has announced its partnership with Microsoft Corp. to optimize copper recovery from its Escondida mine in Chile through the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). The Escondida mine is the largest copper mine in the world, and the partnership’s aim is to improve metal extraction from existing mines and processes.

The Need to Double Copper Production

BHP estimates that the world needs to double its copper production over the next three decades to keep up with the development of decarbonization technologies, including electric vehicles, offshore wind, and solar farms. With the difficulty and cost involved in finding and building new mines, mining companies are looking to next-generation technologies to extract more metal out of existing mines and processes.

The Next Wave in Mining: Advanced Digital Technologies

BHP’s Chief Technical Officer, Laura Tyler, has stated that the next big wave in mining will come from the advanced use of digital technologies. By using real-time data from plant processes, combined with AI-based recommendations from Microsoft’s Azure platform, plant operators can adjust variables affecting ore processing and grade recovery.

Mining Partnerships in Chile

BHP is the majority owner of Escondida and operates the mine with partners Rio Tinto and Japan’s JECO Corp. Escondida produced more than 1 million tonnes of copper during the last financial year ending in June.

Conclusion

The mining industry is quickly evolving to keep up with demand, focusing on innovative digital technologies to extract more metal from existing mines. By partnering with Microsoft to improve copper recovery from its Escondida mine in Chile, BHP Group continues to show leadership in the mining industry.

FAQs

What is BHP Group?

BHP Group is the world’s largest mining company, with operations in Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

What is the Escondida mine?

The Escondida mine is the largest copper mine in the world, located in Chile.

What is the partnership between BHP Group and Microsoft?

BHP Group and Microsoft have partnered to optimize copper recovery from the Escondida mine through the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Why is copper production important for decarbonization technologies?

Copper is a key component in decarbonization technologies, including electric vehicles, offshore wind, and solar farms. The world needs to double its copper production over the next 30 years to keep up with demand for these technologies.

Who are BHP Group’s partners in operating the Escondida mine?

BHP Group operates the Escondida mine with partners Rio Tinto and Japan’s JECO Corp.

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