Value Through Innovation: ShovelSense Integration Across the Antofagasta Portfolio
At Antofagasta, innovation is a core strategic pillar of the Group and a primary driver of operational efficiency and long-term value creation.
By identifying, testing and scaling modern technologies, the Group aims to continuously enhance productivity through improved ore classification and optimisation of material routing.
As part of our approach to innovation, we have successfully deployed ShovelSense, an advanced, real-time ore monitoring system developed by MineSense Technologies. The system utilises high-speed x-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology mounted directly on mining shovels to measure ore grade during the loading process. This helps operators to dynamically redirect haul trucks via the Group’s Fleet Management System based on the quality of the material.
The successful deployment of this technology has helped to deliver significant benefits in the following areas:
- Real-Time dispatch optimisation: Classifying material at the source allows for immediate routing decisions, maximizing the value of every bucket.
- Reduction in ore dilution: Minimising the amount of waste material that enters the processing plants protects plant throughput and efficiency.
- Prevention of resource misallocation: Ensuring high-value ore is not inadvertently sent to waste dumps, thereby capturing maximum value from the mineral resource.
- Automation: The system is fully automated, requiring minimal operator intervention, and features an intuitive interface designed to streamline real-time decision-making.
This systematic approach to adoption of new technologies is designed to help the Group to maintain its position as a modern mining company, with decision-making driven by data analysis and interpretation.
The deployment of ShovelSense reflects Antofagasta’s structured strategy for scaling innovation. Following successful pilot results at Centinela, the Group has initiated a progressive expansion to increase the number of active systems across that operation. Building on the Group’s successful efforts to date, we are now working on a pilot implementation at Antucoya, which would represent the first application of this technology at an oxide operation in the Group's portfolio. This phased rollout reflects the Group's disciplined approach to innovation: validating high-potential technologies at a single operation before scaling them across the portfolio. By focusing on technologies that deliver measurable operational benefits, Antofagasta seeks to capture value while supporting its purpose of developing mining for a better future.