Why Robotics are Key to Codelco's 'Zero Exposure Mine' Plan

Robotics is reshaping heavy industry at pace, and mining has become one of the most compelling arenas for its deployment.

As digital transformation extends beyond factories and data centres into physically demanding environments, intelligent machines are redefining how some of the world’s most complex operations are run.

Automation and robotics now play a central role in modern mining operations. Companies worldwide are introducing remote controlled machinery, autonomous equipment and robotic systems to limit exposure to dangerous environments while improving productivity and data capture.

Chilean copper miner Codelco’s El Teniente Division is deploying the Arkytas MU-2.1 robot developed by Kinamics in the initiative which forms part of its ambition to create a zero exposure mine.

The robot operates within the Esmerelda mine in sectors that have not yet been reinforced with ground support and where human entry is prohibited.

Rather than waiting for these areas to be secured, teams capture high resolution imagery to digitally recreate the environment.

The benefits extend beyond safety. Projects no longer need to pause while hazardous areas are cleared, enabling more consistent progress supported by real time data.

According to Javier Valenzuela, an Engineer with the Innovation Unit of the El Teniente Division, the robot was introduced to operations “because of how risky it is to enter the front. After a blast, the area had to be isolated for a long time, so the aim was to reduce the exposure of workers to these risks.”

Using photogrammetry, the system converts 22 images into detailed three dimensional models.

In addition to visual reconstruction, it captures environmental and geological data including humidity, granulometry and dilution.

The result is a safer workflow supported by high quality datasets that inform planning and performance.

Enhancing safety

Mining has long been regarded as hazardous and labour intensive. Traditionally, safety has depended on rigorous training and strict personal protective equipment requirements. Increasingly, however, technological innovation is reinforcing these measures.

What was once viewed as experimental automation is now central to strategy.

Skills shortages, rising demand for critical minerals and mounting pressure to improve safety are accelerating this shift.

Rather than relying solely on human labour, operators are integrating robotics and autonomous systems as core components of a technology driven operating model.

Much of this progress is focused on reducing risk while generating richer operational insight.

Changing markets

Market forecasts underline the scale of momentum. Persistence Market Research estimates that the global mining robotics market will reach US$1.7bn in 2026, rising to US$3.3bn by 2033.

Growth is driven by demand for automation in hazardous settings, persistent labour shortages and the need for greater efficiency.

Autonomous haulage systems are expected to lead adoption, particularly in large open pit operations.

North America is likely to account for a significant share, reflecting early uptake of automation and sustained investment in digital infrastructure.

The market encompasses autonomous haulage systems, robotic drilling equipment, underground robotic loaders, robotic crushers, inspection and surveillance robots and teleoperated mining vehicles.

Inspection robots are increasingly used for predictive maintenance in deep shafts, while robotic drilling systems enhance precision and safety underground.

In Australia, the Reward Gold Mine is deploying the Aramine L350D autonomous loader equipped with Epiroc's AutoNav Tele software from RCT for narrow vein mining.

“This is more than just a machine installation,” says Owen Perrott, RCT’s East Coast branch manager.

“We’re introducing technology that can access areas previously unreachable, in this narrow-vein mine, unlocking gold reserves left behind for decades.”

Remote operators control the loader from a secure location, accessing confined areas without direct exposure to danger.

In early 2026, NVIDIA and Caterpillar expanded their partnership to introduce physical AI capabilities into mining operations, aimed at optimising extraction and accelerating autonomy.

As robotics advances, mining is becoming safer, more data led and more productive.

At a time of rising demand for critical materials, these systems are shortening timelines, extending operating hours and unlocking previously inaccessible resources.

The sector’s transformation offers a striking example of how intelligent machines are redefining industrial performance.