BHP, Microsoft Use AI to Lift Escondida’s Copper Recovery


Using Microsoft’s Azure platform, BHP will adjust processing variables at Escondida. (Photo: BHP)
A new collaboration between BHP and Microsoft is using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to improve copper recovery at the world’s largest copper mine. 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, BHP Chief Technical Officer Laura Tyler explained.

“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 decarbonization technology. “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.

As featured in Womp 2023 Vol 06 - www.womp-int.com