NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS and Chile’s State-owned Copper Company CODELCO Launch a Study and Proof of Concept Aimed at Improving the Efficiency of Remote Copper Mine Operations Using IOWN® APN

NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, Inc. (formerly NTT Communications Corporation) has launched a study and proof of concept jointly with Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile (CODELCO) to progress remote operations at CODELCO’s copper mines using an IOWN^® All-Photonics Network (APN).¹ This initiative is part of a research project commissioned by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.²

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Conceptual Diagram of the Demonstration

To address operational challenges faced by CODELCO’s copper mines, the initiative will connect a copper mine and a remote operations center—approximately 1,500 km apart—via an IOWN APN. It will assess the feasibility of remotely operating heavy machinery using high-capacity, low-latency communication links, enhancing monitoring operations through high-definition video, and implementing a remote operations model.

1. Background

Chile is one of the world’s leading copper-producing countries, and CODELCO is one of its leading copper producers. In recent years, improving safety and operational efficiency at the company’s copper mines has become a management priority.

In particular, there is growing demand for remote operation of the heavy machinery used in underground mines and more advanced monitoring of mine operations. This is driven by the need to address working conditions that involve risks such as mine collapses, as well as shortages of skilled operators. There is also a need to manage operational functions distributed across multiple mines more efficiently.

To address these challenges, NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS will conduct a study and proof of concept to assess the feasibility of a new remote operations model utilizing IOWN APN.

2. Overview of the Initiative

Under this initiative, IOWN APN will connect the El Teniente copper mine and a remote operations center in Rancagua, a city in central Chile, that are approximately 1,500 km apart. In collaboration with NTT DATA, NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS will conduct the following activities:

• Assessing the communications environment needed to progress the remote operation of heavy equipment
• Enhancing remote monitoring through the use of high-definition video
• Evaluating network configurations with a view to consolidating the number of operations centers
• Assessing the feasibility of a remote operations model
• Examining the potential benefits of IOWN APN for mine operations

3. Future Outlook

Through this initiative, NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS also aims to enhance safety and operational efficiency in the copper mining industry while creating new use cases for IOWN APN across the entire mining sector. Drawing on the insights it thereby gains, the company will explore the potential for further applications in the mining and energy sectors, as well as across other sectors where remote operations are required.

Going forward, NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS will also collaborate with NTT Inc., which is advancing the development and real-world deployment of IOWN technologies. Together, the companies will leverage the initiative’s findings to help expand global IOWN use cases across the NTT Group.

About NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS

NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, Inc. is Japan’s leading comprehensive global ICT solutions provider. We are an Industrial and Regional DX Platformer driving digital transformation across industries and communities, enabling the development of a decentralized, autonomous, and collaborative society where businesses and communities can thrive sustainably. Our mission is to unlock new value and help create prosperity for all. For more information, please visit https://www.ntt.com/en/.

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