BHP opens first AI Hub in Singapore for mining innovation

BHP will establish its first Industry AI Hub in Singapore to accelerate digital transformation and AI adoption in the mining and resources sector. The Hub will focus on solving BHP enterprise-wide challenges using AI technologies to improve safety and lift productivity. Once established this month, the hub of BHP AI specialists will look at further integration of data-driven decisions, intelligence and automation into the company’s core operations.

With the support of Enterprise Singapore, and in partnership with AI Singapore (AISG), BHP selected Singapore to further develop its AI capabilities for its vibrant innovation ecosystem, strong digital infrastructure and alignment with BHP’s ambitions to scale technologies that deliver operational value. The Hub will support the growth of BHP’s digital capabilities in Singapore and the region, with plans for a number of AI specialists to lead collaboration between BHP teams and local AI partners to solve business problems.

The partnership with AISG builds on the work BHP has already achieved in applying AI to its business, including through more efficient procurement processes and enhancing financial forecasts. At the same time, BHP is using AI to make a real-world impact to its operational systems. For example, 3 billion litres of water and 118 GWh of energy have been saved since FY22 through AI-powered plant control at its Escondida copper mine in Chile. The Hub is intended to create opportunities for collaboration and build capability as BHP works to unlock the potential of AI across its operations. Additional projects and partnerships are expected as the initiative evolves.

BHP, Chief Technical Officer, Johan van JAARSVELD:
“As BHP accelerates our digital transformation and grows our internal AI capabilities, we see tremendous opportunity to work with AI Singapore and other global leaders to help deliver solutions to complex, enterprise-wide challenges.

"We are excited about the potential of this partnership – and others around the world – to develop practical, innovative solutions that make our operations safer, more productive, and set new standards for our industry.”

BHP, Chief Commercial Officer, Rag UDD said:
“We’re excited to partner with Enterprise Singapore and AI Singapore to further unlock the potential of AI. For BHP, this is an opportunity to build capability with industry and government working in sync.

“Singapore is a clear leader in AI industry partnerships. It has the talent and ecosystems to support industry-wide solutions in AI adoption with supportive and active government policy and investment in AI capability.

“Through this partnership in Singapore, we’re building an approach with real potential to transform how we work.”

Enterprise Singapore, Assistant Managing Director, Pak Sing LEE said:
“Since establishing its presence in Singapore in 2001, BHP has been a key partner to Enterprise Singapore in developing Singapore into Asia’s largest iron ore trading hub. The launch of BHP’s AI Hub in Singapore marks a new milestone for Singapore’s metals and minerals trading hub.

“Commodity companies based in Singapore are harnessing AI to solve some of their global problem statements. We look forward to facilitating more collaborations with global commodities companies like BHP to grow their AI talent and capabilities.”

AI Singapore, AI Innovation Director, Laurence LIEW said:
“At AI Singapore, we firmly believe that artificial intelligence has the power to transform businesses by driving sustainable growth and operational excellence across all industries. Our partnership with BHP exemplifies our mission to accelerate AI adoption in the mining and resources sector through real-world AI implementations.
 
“By strategically deploying AI solutions to enhance decision-making processes, optimise resource allocation, and improve predictive maintenance capabilities, BHP is not just improving operational efficiency – they are fundamentally reshaping how mining operations can be made smarter, safer, and more sustainable. This collaboration demonstrates what we have always advocated: when organisations commit to becoming AI-Ready and invest in developing their AI capabilities, they create tangible business value and competitive advantage. Together, we are building another successful case study of how AI can tackle complex industry challenges while developing Singapore's AI talent ecosystem.”

www.bhp.com