BHP, Microsoft to use AI to boost Escondida copper recovery
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BHP (NYSE:BHP) said Tuesday it is teaming up with Microsoft (MSFT) to improve copper recovery from its Escondida copper mine in Chile by using artificial intelligence and machine learning.
By using real-time plant data from Escondida's concentrators in combination with AI-based recommendations from Microsoft's (MSFT) Azure platform, BHP (BHP) said the concentrator operators at the mine will have the ability to adjust operational variables that affect ore processing and grade recovery.
"We expect the next big wave in mining to come from the advanced use of digital technologies," BHP (BHP) Chief Technical Officer Laura Tyler said. "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."
Escondida is the world's largest copper mine, producing more than 1M metric tons/year of copper.
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