BHP and Microsoft use AI to lift Escondida copper recovery
May 30 2023 - 4:16AM
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.
Escondida produces over one million metric tonnes of copper
per annum. The concentrator circuit is responsible for extracting,
floating and collecting the copper mineral from crushed and milled
ore.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/125d396c-04fa-40f3-9097-ea07a28432a3
BHP media contacts
Australia:Josie BrophyMobile: 0417 622
839Email: josephine.brophy@bhp.com
Chile:Renata FernándezMobile: +56 9
82295357Email: renata.fernandez@bhp.com
1 For information about the assumptions, outputs and limitations
of this 1.5°C scenario refer to the BHP Climate Change Report 2020
available at bhp.com.2 Based on ownership interest. Peers include:
Anglo American, Antofagasta, Codelco, First Quantum Minerals,
Freeport, Glencore, Rio Tinto, Southern Copper and Teck. Source
peers: Wood Mackenzie Ltd, Q1 2022.
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