- The two companies announced their ambitions under a letter of intent signed during MINExpo 2024 in Las Vegas, USA
- Teams plan to foster engagement through their knowledge and expertise, exploring digitalization, automation and electrification
- State-owned mining company Codelco continues to evolve operations at open-pit and underground mines and large-scale processing facilities in Chile
Codelco and ABB have signed a letter of intent to explore a long-term strategic collaboration looking into ways to further decarbonize the state-owned mining company’s numerous operational sites in Chile by deploying digitalization, automation and electrification solutions.
The two companies aim to work together to identify Codelco’s innovation needs as the miner continues to fulfil its commitments to achieve its net-zero targets. These could include digital systems for more sustainable operations and operational excellence, electrification and automation of various mining operations including fleet electrification to achieve decarbonization targets. Existing and future mining projects are under consideration in the scope.
ABB has a track record of developing technological innovation studies and will target objectives with the purpose of improving safety, productivity, operational expenditure and availability across Codelco’s open-pit and underground mines and large-scale processing facilities in Chile. Decarbonization and technological innovation projects may also involve the handling or transport of materials in mines utilizing ABB eMine™ solutions.
• State-owned mining company Codelco continues to evolve operations at open-pit and underground mines and large-scale processing facilities in Chile 
Nicolás Rivera of Codelco and Joachim Braun of ABB signed the letter of intent while at MINExpo 2024. Image ABB
“There has been significant interest by both parties to work towards decarbonization goals together for some time, including site visits and technology discussions,” said Nicolás Rivera, Vice President of Mining Resources, Development, and Innovation at Codelco. “We have strong ties with partners and collaborators around the world for the globally significant mining operations we have in Chile. Announcing our intentions with ABB is an important step we’re pleased to make.”
“Mining is evolving faster than it has done before, and only by all parties working together can we meet the demands coming from the wider world,” said Joachim Braun, Division President, ABB Process Industries. “The conversations at this year’s MINExpo showed that mining companies, equipment manufacturers and technologists are driving positive change together. Every day, quality reserves of metals and minerals are becoming harder to reach, but by taking steps into digitalization, automation and electrification we can maintain supplies for the current energy transition.”
ABB draws on 130 years of experience in the mining industry and is a pioneer in the integration of automation, electrification, and digitalization in mining.
ABB has deployed the likes of digital twins, and digital process performance and operational excellence technologies including energy management and decarbonization systems in mines around the world. Mining companies have also benefited from integrated automation and electrification technologies through the eMine™ portfolio.
ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps customers in process, hybrid and maritime industries improve performance and safety of operations, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. go.abb/processautomation
ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on over 140 years of excellence, ABB’s more than 105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.www.abb.com
