Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a speculative add-on in mining—it is emerging as a core driver of operational efficiency and value creation. With the global AI-in-mining market projected to reach USD 3.2 billion by 2026 and an annual growth rate of 40%, early adopters are positioning themselves ahead of the curve. According to Wifitalents, 45% of mining companies worldwide have already integrated AI into core processes, unlocking gains that directly impact margins: up to 30% reduction in downtime, 40% improvement in productivity, 25% lower maintenance costs, and 15% higher mineral recovery rates. These performance metrics directly translate into stronger earnings potential, improved asset utilization, and faster return on capital investments.
In Latin America, Chile is rapidly emerging as a regional innovation hub for AI-driven mining. The country’s deep mining expertise, skilled labor force, and investment-friendly climate make it a natural platform for technology deployment. Pedro Cancino, CEO of tech firm Coddi, sees this as a strategic inflection point: “AI is not a luxury—it’s a cost-avoidance, safety-enhancing, value-maximizing tool,” he stated. Current applications of machine learning in ore grade estimation and real-time decision systems are already reducing risk and improving yield predictability. These capabilities not only improve operational resilience but also support better-informed asset valuations.
Looking ahead, projected mining investments in Chile alone exceed USD 69 billion by 2030, with AI expected to play a decisive role in de-risking operations and increasing throughput. While Latin America may not compete in foundational AI development, it has a clear advantage in applied, domain-specific innovation—targeting real-world mining challenges that global tech giants often overlook. For investors, this is more than a tech story—it’s an opportunity to back scalable, high-impact solutions that bridge the digital and industrial worlds. As global demand for critical minerals accelerates, companies leveraging AI to reduce costs, enhance recovery, and increase operational certainty will have a distinct competitive edge.