Argentina has important reserves of copper and lithiumminerals crucial for global energy transition. In copper, Argentina has some of the projects with the greatest potential in the world and in lithium many with high potential, even with low prices. Many of these projects are already in the Feasibility stage and a few in the Construction and Operation stages.
Decades have passed since emblematic projects began operations: Bajo la Alumbrera in 1997 and Veladero in 2005.
Global specialists Accenture They agree that mining practices have evolved greatly since then. The technology used, strongly leveraged by artificial intelligence, and sustainability, as a central element of the project and not complementary, allow levels of productivity and sectoral and local development with a generational leap compared to decades ago.
At the regional level Accenture is incorporating mining practices based on artificial intelligence and sustainability in clients in Chile, Brazil and Peru. In existing operations, which were not designed taking into account the full potential of these practices.
When mining is managed responsibly, it not only provides essential resources for the advancement of industries such as automotive, electronics and renewable energy, but also acts as an engine of development in local communities. By generating quality jobs, promoting training and energizing the regional economy, mining has a multiplier effect that goes beyond its own scope, promoting inclusion and social well-being.
According to specialists from Accenture Argentinathe incorporation of artificial intelligence and sustainability, must translate into a unique sectoral development in Argentina, with differential impact for communities, provinces and at the national level. It is in that sense that, Jorge MartinManaging director; Sebastian FeldbergIndustry X Leader and Martin SommerSenior Advisor, analyze the outlook and prospects for mining activity in the country, highlighting Argentina’s potential to become a key global supplier of essential minerals for the global energy transition.
Challenges and opportunities: artificial intelligence and sustainability as a central axis
Sebastian Feldberg, highlights the unique opportunity to take a generational leap with operational technology that incorporates artificial intelligence in its full potential. “The massive incorporation of sensors, PLCs, SCADA and MES In all productive and secondary processes, from the design stage, it allows obtaining a lot of data in real time, which was previously unimaginable. When you transform this data into information and exploit it with artificial intelligence, a unique granular understanding of the operation is achieved, resulting in much more effective and agile decision making,” he indicated.
Another example of the enormous potential that generative artificial intelligence In mining it is related to worker safety, which is the number one priority in the industry. The volume of information on safety and other equipment required to perform specific repairs and maintenance can be extensive. So the advanced linguistic capabilities of generative AI mean it can summarize all this documentation and describe key points in an easily digestible format.
According to Jorge Martin“sustainability, in its broadest scope and with world-class practices, needs to be included in the design of projects. Zero emissions, sustainable water and waste management and the relationship with the community are topics to address considering the current context, but also the evolution of the regulatory framework over the next 20 years of operation. We must reinvent the sustainability approach of the mining sector in Argentina.”
This includes initiatives such as fleet electrification and the use of renewable energies (solar and wind). Additionally, the industry must prioritize job security and collaboration with local communities for planned and sustainable growth.
Digital mining workers
ABB
Martin Sommer complements: “The geological situation of the country is very similar to other countries in the region, with the difference that almost no progress was made in its exploitation. In other countries, the mining sector is very relevant for the economy and especially for the mining provinces, where it is the engine of social and economic development. “With public policies that encourage long-term investment, such as RIGI, and the development of suppliers and local talent, enormous potential will be unlocked.”
There the key is to use all the technological innovation that has been developed during the last decades, so that the basis of mining projects begins to be thought of from that paradigm shift. This applies to the exploration stages, environmental and social impact studies, plant design, and safety management model, among others.
Local development and talent training: keys to long-term success
For Accenturelocal and regional development is essential. With several generations involved in mining, it is essential to invest in education, infrastructure and community well-being.
Likewise, the shortage of specialized mining talent requires strategies such as local training and collaboration with educational institutions to develop the necessary skills that will be required for projects that already have viability and those that are being evaluated.
To finish, Feldberg projection the positioning of Accenture as a “strategic partner for the mining industry in Argentina, offering innovative solutions that incorporate technology and artificial intelligence, design and management of sustainable practices. “Based on our credentials in the region and in the main mining countries in the world.”
Thus, the company seeks to collaborate with the sector to promote the responsible and sustainable development of mining, contributing to the economic growth and well-being of local communities.
Source: Ambito
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