On June 4th, Codelco and the Center for Mathematical Modeling (CMM) part of the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics (FCFM) of Universidad de Chile signed a historic agreement that will modernize and introduce new technologies to the production structure of the state-owned copper mine.
“The integration of mathematical modeling with the ‘internet of things’ or Industrial Internet, is a unique opportunity for mining in Chile and Codelco to define standards in this Industrial Revolution 4.0,” explains Alejandro Jofré, director of the CMM. This concept refers to the ability to model processes, optimize decisions and manage risk, considering that today machines interact intelligently without human intervention, both in the processes of extraction, comminution and plant, as in exploration. Thus, computers, sensors, radars, vehicles and other devices can communicate with each other. This, through Big Data, allows taking decisions to efficiently and cooperatively with the aim of improving productivity, risk management and sustainability of the mining industry.
For Codelco’s Chairman Óscar Landerretche the “transformation of the company is necessary not only for the development of Chile, but it represents by itself an opportunity to enhance the capacities of universities, research and development centers, technology providers”.
In the key processes of Codelco mines, both organizations will develop new programs related to information and communication technologies. Here, the CMM´s supercomputer, the most powerful in Chile will play a crucial role in Big Data. Specially considering that Codelco is a company that generates large volumes of information. This data needs fine and real time analysis in order to enable better decisions at various levels. Mining tools that allow you to go real-time, allowing for different levels of command while working on key issues such as production, cost reduction and risk management in the mine at the right time will also be developed. In that sense, the modeling of information obtained by the multiplicity of sensors in workplaces, vehicles and costumes of officials at Codelco (wearable technologies), expand capacity of online analysis of seismic activity, risk maps, fatigue equipment and workers, maintenance programs, and make predictions about production bottlenecks, delays and possible improvements.
The alliance also includes research in mathematical tools to optimize investment, planning, operation and mining logistics The design and implementation of projects in biomining is also contemplated. This agreement between Codelco and Universidad de Chile is of most importance to the university.
[alpine-phototile-for-flickr src=”set” uid=”89937484@N08″ sid=”72157653661585480″ imgl=”fancybox” size=”240″ style=”floor” row=”4″ num=”12″ align=”center” max=”100″ nocredit=”1″]