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In 2022, Rio Tinto opened Gudai-Darri, its most technologically advanced mine with over 100 digital technologies, making it one of the world’s most automated mines. The mine leverages a wide array of autonomous assets, including trucks, trains, and drills, standard across many Rio Tinto mines. The mine also uses Microsoft Azure’s digital twin technology, which gathers data from sensors across the mine to create real-time models that help operators make informed decisions and predict outcomes.
AI and predictive models play a pivotal role in enhancing performance at Rio Tinto’s other sites, for example at the Kennecott Copper Mine in Utah. AI optimizes copper recovery by adjusting batching strategies in real time. Predictive analytics, deployed across 19 sites, has reduced lost production time by 94%, reflecting Rio Tinto’s commitment to leveraging AI to improve productivity, safety, and sustainability across its global operations.
2024 AI-related highlights
- Enhances underground mining safety and efficiency through automation, AI, and advanced data analytics technologies. (Mar 2024)
- Announces partnership with Founders Factory to invest in AUS$14.4m in global pre-seed and seed stage startups for emerging technologies for mining operations (April 2024)
- Leveraging MLOps to enhance machine learning applications for predictive maintenance, safety, and mine planning across operations. (Jul 2024)
- Leads mining automation efforts, enhancing safety and efficiency with cutting-edge technologies across operations. (Oct 2024)
- Implements predictive maintenance technologies to enhance equipment reliability, safety, and operational efficiency. (Oct 2024)