Codelco and ABB have signed a letter of intent to explore a long-term strategic partnership aimed at advancing decarbonization and enhancing operational efficiency across Codelco’s mining sites in Chile. The collaboration will focus on implementing digitalization, automation, and electrification solutions to help the state-owned mining giant meet its net-zero targets.
The partnership will identify opportunities to drive innovation in Codelco’s mining operations, with initiatives potentially including the automation and electrification of mining fleets and processes, all aimed at improving sustainability and operational excellence. Current and future mining projects are being considered as part of this collaboration.
ABB, with its extensive experience in mining technology, will contribute solutions that improve safety, productivity, and cost efficiency across Codelco’s open-pit and underground mines, as well as processing facilities. This could involve the use of ABB’s eMine™ solutions for material handling and transport, along with digital tools like digital twins and energy management systems to optimize performance and reduce emissions.
Nicolás Rivera, Vice President of Mining Resources, Development, and Innovation at Codelco, highlighted the importance of this partnership in aligning with Codelco’s decarbonization goals. “We are pleased to take this important step with ABB, a key global partner, to advance our efforts toward sustainability,” Rivera stated.
Joachim Braun, President of ABB’s Process Industries Division, emphasized that collaboration is essential to meet the increasing global demand for minerals. He pointed out that mining companies must adopt digitalization, automation, and electrification to maintain supply levels and support the ongoing energy transition.
ABB, a leader in electrification and automation for over 130 years, brings advanced technologies to optimize industrial processes, making them more sustainable and resource-efficient. The company’s Process Automation division supports various industries, helping them improve operational safety and performance while enabling a more sustainable future.
