Chilean mining sector focuses on technology and workforce training

The Chilean mining sector is undergoing a significant technological transformation, integrating automation, artificial intelligence, and remote operations. To ensure a return on these investments, industry experts emphasize that human workforce training must evolve alongside technological implementation to improve productivity, safety, and efficiency.

Projections from the Chilean Large-Scale Mining Workforce Study 2025-2034 indicate that the industry will need to incorporate approximately 36,895 new workers by 2034. Notably, 87.4% of this demand is driven by retirements, while 12.6% stems from new projects and expansions. Current data suggests a gap in training accessibility, with lower proportions of training received by certain occupational groups and income levels.

In response to operational and environmental challenges, Codelco and the University of Concepción (UdeC) are leveraging a research and development agreement. UdeC has presented 14 high-impact technological initiatives to Codelco, covering areas such as water treatment, environmental impact assessment, AI-driven equipment maintenance, mineralogical analysis, and mining waste management processes.