Normet and Codelco, one of the world's largest copper producers, have entered into a five-year technology development program to advance autonomous and remotely operated underground mining technologies. The collaboration will focus on developing safer, more productive mining processes through technology pilots at Codelco's El Teniente mine in Chile.
Normet scaling. Image Credit: Normet
The program will concentrate on three key development areas: autonomous concrete transport and spraying solution, remotely operated scaling, and autonomous stationary breaker operations. The technologies aim to remove personnel from hazardous underground environments while improving operational performance and process continuity.
As mines continue to expand deeper underground and access increasingly challenging ore bodies, they face growing challenges from seismic activity, rising temperatures and demanding ground conditions.
“Through this collaboration, we are addressing some of the industry's most critical challenges, including safety and operational efficiency. The technologies being developed have the potential to transform how mining processes are carried out in demanding underground conditions,” said Gonzalo Ramírez, Corporate Innovation Director of Codelco.
The first pilot will focus on autonomous concrete spraying and transport solution, utilizing advanced perception systems, environment mapping, onboard artificial intelligence, connectivity solutions, and data-driven decision-making solutions to enable increasingly autonomous operation. The second pilot will develop remotely operated scaling capabilities using advanced mapping and extended reality technologies. The third pilot will focus on autonomous stationary breaker operations designed to support uninterrupted rock flow in challenging production environments.
Development activities related to the pilots will be carried out at Normet's recently opened Technology Center in Pirkkala, which serves as a hub for autonomy, robotics, software development and digital technologies for the mining industry. The center was established to accelerate the development, testing and deployment of advanced mining technologies.
“This collaboration with Codelco represents an important step forward in developing the next generation of underground mining processes,” said Ed Santamaria, President and CEO of Normet. “As mining operations move deeper and conditions become increasingly complex, automation and remote operation are essential to improving safety and productivity. Normet brings not only advanced technology, but also deep expertise in the underground processes being transformed. Together, we aim to remove people from hazardous areas while improving productivity and process continuity in demanding production environments.”
The technologies developed through the program will be piloted in production conditions at El Teniente, helping to establish future operating models for safer and more autonomous underground mining.