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Codelco, Microsoft sign AI deal for mining operations

By Thomson Reuters Mar 5, 2026 | 8:26 AM

SANTIAGO, March 5 (Reuters) – Chile’s state-owned Codelco, the world’s largest copper producer, and Microsoft signed a memorandum ​of understanding to evaluate joint initiatives ‌in artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, automation and digital security, the miner said on Thursday.

KEY CONTEXT

• The agreement will run for 18 months ‌initially ​with joint governance ⁠for strategic and operational ⁠tracking.

• Areas include intensive data use, AI for decision-making, autonomous operations, automation of critical processes and cybersecurity strengthening.

• ​The partnership envisions both companies participating in early testing of new solutions ⁠and the sharing international ⁠experiences.

KEY QUOTES

• “Working with a world-class ​technological leader like Microsoft consolidates our leadership ​in the future of mining. Faced ‌with an accelerated digital transformation, we have to process and consider large volumes of operational data,” said Codelco CEO ⁠Ruben Alvarado.

• “This alliance with Codelco reflects the potential that artificial intelligence represents to advance development ⁠in ‌the mining sector and Chilean ⁠market, facilitating safer, more efficient ​and ‌sustainable operations with a focus ​on people, ⁠productivity and long-term value for the company and country,” said Tito Arciniega, president of Microsoft Latin America.

(Reporting by Fabian Cambero; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by ​Alexander Villegas)