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Highlights

  • BHP opens its first Industry AI Hub in Singapore, partnering with AI Singapore and EnterpriseSG.

  • The hub aims to boost safety, productivity, and automation in mining through AI.

  • The initiative builds on BHP's prior AI successes, including significant water and energy savings at its Chile operations.

Global mining company BHP (ASX:BHP) has launched its inaugural Industry AI Hub in Singapore, aiming to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and innovation within the mining and resources sector. The announcement was made via a company news release on Tuesday, May 27.

The hub is being established in partnership with AI Singapore (AISG) and with the support of Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG). According to BHP, the new facility will serve as a dedicated centre for applying AI technologies to address enterprise-wide operational challenges. The focus areas include enhancing workplace safety, increasing productivity, and embedding automation and data-driven decision-making into BHP’s core operations.

Set to open within the month, the hub will assemble a team of AI specialists tasked with leading collaborations between BHP and local partners. These efforts are expected to result in the development of practical AI solutions to support various aspects of BHP’s global mining operations.

BHP selected Singapore for the hub due to its robust digital infrastructure, vibrant innovation landscape, and alignment with the company’s goal of scaling technologies that deliver measurable operational value. The initiative also builds on Singapore’s growing reputation as a regional AI centre, following similar moves by companies such as Grab, PwC, and Oracle.

The AI Hub initiative is an extension of BHP’s existing AI strategy, which has already yielded significant operational improvements. At its Escondida copper mine in Chile, AI-powered plant control systems have enabled the company to conserve approximately 3 billion litres of water and 118 gigawatt-hours of energy since the 2022 financial year.

BHP stated that the Singapore-based AI Hub will reinforce its digital capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region and serve as a platform for continuous innovation and capability-building across the company’s global footprint.

“This partnership reflects BHP’s commitment to growing internal AI capabilities,” said Johan van Jaarsveld, BHP’s Chief Technical Officer. “We see an opportunity to work with AI Singapore and other global leaders to develop practical, innovative solutions that make our operations safer, more productive and set new standards for the industry.”