Codelco, Microsoft team up on AI & analytics initiatives

Codelco is teaming up with Microsoft on various initiatives in artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, automation and digital security to improve its copper mining operations.

A memorandum of understanding was signed on Thursday to establish a framework for this collaboration, which is expected to run for 18 months initially and will include joint governance for strategic and operational tracking.

The joint initiatives will cover areas such as intensive data use, AI for decision-making, autonomous operations, automation of critical processes and cybersecurity strengthening. The partnership also envisions both companies participating in early testing of new solutions.

The agreement builds on a working relationship between the world’s largest copper producer and a “Big Tech” leader spanning over 27 years, during which they have developed projects across multiple areas. This new phase seeks to incorporate cutting-edge tools under high standards of cybersecurity and data protection, they said.

“Working with a world-class technological leader like Microsoft consolidates our leadership in the future of mining. Faced with an accelerated digital transformation, we have to process and consider large volumes of operational data,” Codelco CEO Ruben Alvarado said in a news release.

“This alliance with Codelco reflects the potential that artificial intelligence represents to advance development in the mining sector and Chilean market, facilitating safer, more efficient and sustainable operations with a focus on people, productivity and long-term value for the company and country,” Tito Arciniega, president of Microsoft Latin America, added.