Codelco, the state-owned mining company, and ABB have signed a letter of intent at MINExpo 2024 in Las Vegas, USA, outlining their shared vision for potential collaboration. The partnership seeks to explore decarbonization opportunities and optimize operations across Codelco’s vast mining infrastructure in Chile.

The teams will leverage their expertise in digitalization, automation, and electrification to explore new pathways for enhancing operational efficiency. Codelco, which operates both open-pit and underground mines as well as extensive processing facilities, continues to modernize its operations in pursuit of sustainability.

By signing the letter of intent, Codelco and ABB are positioning themselves to develop long-term strategies aimed at reducing emissions across Codelco’s mining operations in Chile. The collaboration will focus on incorporating digital systems, automating operations, and expanding electrification, including fleet electrification, to meet Codelco’s decarbonization goals. Both existing and future projects are included within the scope of this collaboration.

ABB, with a strong history of driving technological advancements, will aim to improve safety, productivity, and cost-efficiency at Codelco’s mining sites. This includes exploring the use of ABB’s eMine™ solutions for material handling and transportation, which are aligned with decarbonization efforts.

State-owned mining company Codelco continues to evolve operations at open-pit and underground mines and large-scale processing facilities in Chile

“There has been considerable interest from both sides to collaborate on decarbonization for some time, with numerous site visits and technical discussions,” said Nicolás Rivera, Vice President of Mining Resources, Development, and Innovation at Codelco. “We have solid relationships with partners around the globe, and our mining operations in Chile are of global significance. Announcing this intent with ABB is an important step forward.”

“Mining is undergoing rapid change, and to meet the demands of a shifting global landscape, collaboration across all stakeholders is essential,” commented Joachim Braun, President of ABB’s Process Industries division. “At MINExpo, discussions revealed that mining companies, equipment manufacturers, and technologists are coming together to create meaningful progress. As quality reserves become harder to access, embracing digitalization, automation, and electrification is key to ensuring that the mining industry can continue to support the ongoing energy transition.”

ABB brings over 130 years of expertise in the mining sector and has been a leader in integrating automation, electrification, and digitalization technologies. The company has implemented digital twins, energy management, and decarbonization technologies in mining operations worldwide. ABB’s solutions, such as those within its eMine™ portfolio, have enabled mining companies to benefit from comprehensive automation and electrification technologies.

The Process Automation business at ABB focuses on automating, electrifying, and digitalizing industrial operations across various sectors, including energy, water, and material supply. With a workforce of around 20,000 employees, ABB Process Automation combines technological leadership and service expertise to improve performance, safety, and sustainability in the process, hybrid, and maritime industries.

As a global leader in electrification and automation, ABB is committed to shaping a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company connects engineering expertise with cutting-edge software solutions to optimize manufacturing, energy management, and operational processes. With over 140 years of innovation and a team of more than 105,000 employees, ABB remains at the forefront of driving industrial transformation worldwide.

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