BHP produces safer outcomes with automated operations
BHP has reached a major safety and operational milestone at its Escondida mine in northern Chile, with the Escondida Norte pit now fully autonomous and among the first of its scale in global copper mining.
The transition removes workers from some of the site’s highest-risk activities, as autonomous equipment now handle haulage and drilling across the pit.
Escondida Norte forms part of the broader Escondida operation, located 170 kilometres southeast of Antofagasta and in production since 1990.
Escondida is the world’s largest producer of copper concentrates and cathodes, with the operation comprising two open pits feeding three concentrator plants and two leaching operations. With a remaining life of several decades and a resource base exceeding 26 billion tonnes, the site is central to BHP’s long-term copper strategy.
At Escondida Norte, 33 autonomous haul trucks and 11 autonomous drills now operate across the pit, moving more than 350,000 tonnes of material each day. Around 30 per cent of Escondida’s total production is generated from the autonomous zone, integrating automation into core production.
“These achievements reduce risk, enhance productivity, and create a safer working environment,” BHP said in a statement.
The shift has led to large-scale workforce preparation, with more than 5000 workers trained in new technologies to support autonomous operations. Women now account for 64 per cent of autonomy-related roles, reflecting changing skill requirements and broader workforce participation as mining operations become increasingly technology-driven.
“Autonomous operations at Escondida are not just about technology – they represent a strategic response to industry challenges such as declining ore grades and increasing operational complexity,” the company said.
“As we grow our copper production, we remain focused on safety, sustainability, and innovation – building a future where technology and people work hand in hand to deliver the resources the world needs.”
