Chilean state-led miner Codelco plans to proceed with its automated mining plans to sustain operations in the face of various challenges.
In H1 2020, the company increased its copper production by 4.7pc to 744,000mt compared with the same prior-year period. Octavio Araneda, Codelco’s chief executive officer said that this was thanks to the initial automation of its operations. In the short-term, the company plans to use automated trucks in the mine pits.
The miner’s overall automation plan is a part of its move to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the company’s mining activity. Araneda told the local media that technological development is a key factor in bolstering the long-term viability of mining.
The Chilean miner has been widely impacted by the pandemic, registering around 3,000 infections and some deaths this year among its workforce. Besides, it also faces ore grade depletion along with a water crisis and revamping of its older mines. Moreover, Araneda said that Codelco is preparing for a potential second wave of infections that could further affect the company’s operations.