How Should we Decarbonise Chilean Mining Operations?

ABB is set to implement its digital technologies, advanced automation systems and electrification solutions across Codelco’s mining sites in a new push to make Chile’s copper industry greener.
Codelco, the Chilean state-owned copper mining giant, has signed a letter of intent with ABB to work on a comprehensive strategy to decarbonise its operations.
The collaboration is a key step for Codelco, the world’s leading copper producer, which generates around 1.6 million tonnes of copper each year. With its headquarters in Santiago, Codelco plays a pivotal role in supplying the essential metal for renewable energy systems and electric vehicles, making its commitment to sustainability even more crucial.
The partnership was announced at MINExpo 2024, held in Las Vegas, highlighting both companies’ commitment to transforming mining operations through innovation.
Electrification and digital integration for emission reduction
One of the primary objectives of the collaboration is the electrification of Codelco’s mining vehicle fleet, replacing diesel-powered trucks and machinery with electric alternatives.
ABB’s eMine portfolio, which features comprehensive electrification technologies for the mining sector, will be a central component in this transition. The eMine system is designed to integrate charging infrastructure, battery management systems and efficient power distribution solutions, which together will significantly cut down on-site emissions.
ABB, with its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, specialises in electrification, automation, robotics and motion technology and operates in more than 100 countries.
The company was established in 1988 through the merger of ASEA from Sweden and Brown, Boveri & Cie of Switzerland. It has a substantial global workforce of 105,000 employees and generated revenue of US$29.4bn in 2022, with a notable share coming from mining contracts. Mining firms like Rio Tinto, BHP and Vale have relied on ABB for advanced electrical systems and automation.
The new agreement will also see ABB working on integrating digital solutions that can monitor and optimise energy consumption, equipment performance and resource utilisation in real time. These enhancements align with Codelco’s sustainability roadmap, which was introduced in 2019 with the ambitious target of slashing its carbon emissions by 70% by 2030.
“We have conducted site visits and technology discussions. This announcement formalises our intention to accelerate decarbonisation efforts," comments Nicolás Rivera, Codelco’s Vice President of Mining Resources, Development and Innovation.
Digital twins and process automation
Digital twin technology is another key feature of the partnership.
Digital twins create virtual replicas of physical mining operations, enabling operators to simulate and refine processes before making changes on-site. This proactive approach can result in more precise operations, predictive maintenance and improved safety standards across the mining sites.
ABB has a history of successfully deploying digital twins in mining projects. The technology offers an advanced way to visualise and optimise operations, particularly in complex and large-scale projects like Codelco’s mines.
Codelco’s largest mine, Chuquicamata, which is currently shifting from open-pit to underground mining, stands to benefit significantly from this innovation. The aim is to increase operational efficiency and automate activities from extraction through to processing, reducing manual intervention.
A step forward for sustainable mining
The deal between ABB and Codelco comes at a crucial time for the mining industry, which faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental footprint.
As pressure mounts to lower carbon emissions, mining companies must also maintain the high output needed to support the growing demand for renewable energy infrastructure and electric vehicles. Copper, essential for electrical wiring and components, remains a critical resource in this transition.
In the words of Joachim Braun, ABB’s Division President of Process Industries: “Quality reserves are becoming harder to reach. Digitalisation, automation and electrification maintain supplies for the current energy transition.”
By combining Codelco’s extensive mining experience and ABB’s innovative technological solutions, the partnership aims to ensure that the copper production process embraces sustainability while ensuring a stable supply of critical resources for the future.
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