Business Insights on Automation
A solution to the industry’s problem statement
“Providing infrastructure for electrification, digitalization, and automation is mission-critical. The mining industry’s problem statement is to remove people from harm and to provide digital data-driven, sustainable solutions. This means we need to provide the infrastructure to do things differently than we ever have in the past.”
John Swift, Managing Director Chile and Argentina, Epiroc
“We envision an industry that embraces digital technology and automation to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and safety in mining operations by integrating advanced technologies into an intelligent network connecting all equipment and personnel.”
Miguel Flores, General Manager, Cummins Chile
“Over the last two years, there has been a significant increase in the number of mining sites adopting autonomous equipment. We expect this trend to continue in Chile, with further growth of the autonomous truck fleets. Autonomous equipment enhances safety, provides more predictable operations for improved planning, and yields longer effective working hours.”
Darko Louit, CEO, Komatsu Cummins Chile and Komatsu Holding South America
“Chile is the global leader in automation. Codelco alone has around 40 machines running autonomously in its operations. The transition has not led to a reduction in workforce. The role of personnel is evolving rather than diminishing, with a shift towards more analytical responsibilities.”
Ricardo Pachón, Vice President Sales Area Andean & South Cone, Sandvik
“Despite the current pause in large-scale investments for autonomous equipment, automation remains inevitable, driven by the trend towards more responsible and safer mining. Although automation faces obstacles such as resistance to change and the high investment required to renew equipment, it is an unstoppable process.”
Julio Piña Alegría, Commercial Director, XCMG
