Copper giants: Driving OPEX & adaptive leadership in Latin America

Copper mining giants are driving operational excellence (OPEX) and adaptive leadership in Latin America.

When we think about copper mining, we often picture vast, dusty pits and heavy machinery – yet today’s copper industry in Latin America represents far more. Latin America holds approximately 40 percent of global copper production, primarily in Chile, Peru and Mexico, positioning the region as a critical contributor to the global economy and energy transition (JPMorgan, 2023).

The industry integrates sophisticated digital transformation, adaptive leadership and a strong commitment to sustainability. Throughout my professional journey, I’ve admired these approaches and recognized how OPEX drives profitability and meaningful progress.

OPEX: Digital transformation at BHP and Anglo American

Mining efficiency historically focused on managing resources; today, it emphasizes managing data to optimize decision-making and operational performance. Companies like BHP and Anglo American have embraced digital technologies including autonomous truck operations and remote Integrated Operations Centers (IOCs) to streamline production and enhance safety.

At BHP’s Spence mine in Chile, the transition to full autonomy has been remarkable. The mine recently achieved 100 percent autonomous operation of its truck fleet, moving over 80 million tons of material without incidents and exceeding production targets. Autonomy improved equipment utilization and significantly reduced downtime during shift changes.

Anglo American's Quellaveco mine in Peru also demonstrates digital transformation excellence through advanced autonomous haulage systems, significantly increasing equipment availability and decreasing unplanned downtime. These technological advancements have led to a 10-15 percent increase in productivity and notably improved safety records.

These digital initiatives simultaneously address cost management, operational efficiency and worker safety, setting new global benchmarks in mining excellence.

Adaptive leadership: Anglo American’s community engagement at Quellaveco

Exceptional leadership emerges most clearly when navigating challenges. Anglo American’s Quellaveco project initially faced significant skepticism from local communities concerned about environmental impacts and economic benefits. Embracing Ronald Heifetz’s adaptive leadership model (Heifetz, 1994), the company’s leadership adopted proactive communication strategies, transparent dialogue and genuine stakeholder engagement.

Key initiatives included regular town halls, detailed disclosures on environmental impacts and meaningful community investments – including a $300 million commitment to local development in Moquegua (International Copper Association, 2023). Today, Quellaveco is internationally recognized as best practice in mining community relations, strengthening Anglo American’s operational stability and social license to operate.

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Sustainability and ESG: Antofagasta Minerals’ seawater usage at Centinela

Sustainability carries ethical importance and strategic business value in mining. Antofagasta Minerals’ Centinela mine in Chile exemplifies this by achieving 100 percent seawater use in 2023, eliminating freshwater consumption, a critical innovation in one of the world’s driest regions.

Addressing concerns about desalination’s high energy use, Antofagasta proactively transitioned all its Chilean mining operations to renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, significantly reducing carbon emissions. This strategy has reinforced Antofagasta’s position as a global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leader, achieving high rankings on sustainability indices and setting industry-wide benchmarks.

Copper mining in Latin America exemplifies innovation, leadership and responsibility. As the world transitions toward renewable energy and electric vehicles, copper’s role becomes increasingly critical. BHP and Anglo American demonstrate that OPEX requires intelligently managing complexity. Anglo American’s adaptive leadership at Quellaveco highlights strategic communication’s value, while Antofagasta’s seawater initiative demonstrates how ESG practices can translate into strategic competitive advantages.

These examples from Latin America’s copper industry resonate deeply with my conviction that OPEX, adaptive leadership and sustainability converge for lasting success. For professionals committed to operational transformation and leadership excellence, Latin America’s copper industry provides valuable and globally relevant insights.

All Access: AI in PEX is 2025

All Access: AI in PEX 2025 is designed to address these challenges and empower organizations to successfully integrate AI into their process improvement initiatives. The content series will bring together industry experts, thought leaders, and practitioners to share insights, best practices, and real-world case studies.

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