BHP recently shared that artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing its operations, as the global miner seeks practical ways to enhance safety, reliability and performance while addressing the growing demand for critical minerals.
From supporting teams to identifying new mineral deposits to running large processing plants and transport networks, AI is moving beyond experimentation and becoming part of day-to-day operations across BHP’s global portfolio.
“AI is no longer a future concept for BHP,” affirmed Johan van Jaarsveld, BHP chief technical officer. “It is increasingly part of how we run our operations. Our focus is on applying it in practical, governed ways that support our teams in achieving safer, more productive and more reliable outcomes.”
How AI is being applied
AI is being used throughout the mining value chain to help BHP teams manage the complexity and variability of large-scale, continuous operations.
- Finding and understanding resources. In exploration, AI and advanced analytics are being used to help geoscientists analyze large volumes of geological data more efficiently.
- Running processing plants more steadily. AI-supported digital models allow teams to test changes virtually, using live and historical data, before applying them in the real plant.
- Improving reliability from the pit to the port. AI is being used to support reliability across mining and transport systems. For example, computer-vision systems are used to help detect issues such as spillage, oversized material or foreign objects on conveyors, crushers and rail loading systems.
- Making safety reporting faster and more effective. AI is supporting safety outcomes for teams on the frontline. For example, a voice-to-text mobile application allows employees to log hazards instantly while in the field. Reports are automatically geotagged and linked to historical incident data, providing rapid digital risk assessments.
“AI is helping us understand our operations in new ways and act earlier, with greater confidence. What excites us is the scale of opportunity ahead as we continue to apply these tools responsibly – learning, improving and expanding what’s possible across our operations,” concluded van Jaarsveld.
Source: BHP