Diversified mining group Anglo American has implemented state-of-the-art technology at the Quellaveco mine, in Peru, to create a virtual replica that simulates everything that happens in its process plant. With this technology, digital mining specialists can perform predictive tests that help reduce safety risks, optimise the use of resources and improve the performance of production equipment.

Known as "digital twins", the technology uses sensors that are installed in the mine to create virtual replicas of equipment and infrastructure, for instance of the grinding system, flotation, tailings management, water control and electrical system, among others.

Using artificial intelligence (AI) to stimulate different processes, the technology helps the mine to avoid failures in real equipment or processes.

The US government’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration used the technology for the first time more than 50 years ago, to rescue the crew of the Apollo 13 mission, after suffering a malfunction in their ship and not being able to land. With the development of the Internet of Things and information management based on AI, digital twins have taken an impressive technological leap and are now used in different industries.

"Digital twins not only allow us to perform better, but they increase safety by reducing error rates, which means a new standard of efficiency in the mining industry," says Anglo American Integrated Operations Centre superintendent Cinthya Lozano.

"For example, we can put a parameter on a pump and see how it behaves. If it doesn't work properly, we change these parameters as many times as necessary, and when we have the right data, we just take it to the real world," he adds.

Quellaveco is one of the first mines to implement digital twin technology to improve efficiency and safety in its process plant, taking advantage of the connectivity and sensorisation that has made it the first 100% digital mine in Peru.