NTT DATA partners with Codelco on AI‑driven copper mining
TOKYO, JAPAN, and SANTIAGO, CHILE — NTT DATA is partnering with Chilean state miner Codelco in a new strategic alliance to transform the future of copper mining through the integration of cutting-edge technologies.
The collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed in Tokyo, will focus on implementing advanced solutions to enhance automation, safety, and sustainability in mining operations.
Powering copper tech with AI
NTT DATA, a global technology services provider with a history of partnerships with corporations, offers business-scale AI, cloud, and digital infrastructure with a track record of delivering value to this joint venture of over 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and has the financial strength of its parent company, NTT Group, to invest over $3 billion in R&D each year.
NTT DATA continues its commitment to clients by expanding its global data center buildout to meet demand for AI-ready infrastructure. This physical expansion is strategically complemented by a new, deep AI partnership with ServiceNow, positioning the firm to offer a fully integrated stack of infrastructure and agentic automation solutions.
The company is ranked #24 in the OA500 2025, an objective index of the world’s top 500 outsourcing companies.
On the other hand, Codelco, a producer of copper worldwide, uses its massive operational base of seven large mining divisions in Chile and its rich history of giving back more than $158 billion to the state to influence the future of the industry through its mining capabilities and innovative technologies.
Mining’s digital future forged
The agreement particularly focuses on the deployment of the advanced networks of connectivity, such as 5G and 6G, generative AI, robotics, and quantum computers.
All these technologies are aimed at transforming industry processes by increasing automation and creating new opportunities for work at the world’s major copper producer.
This technological integration will be a progressive one, and NTT DATA will use its global experience to change the industrial processes. The aim is to blend this technological strength with Codelco’s vast mining knowledge to usher in a new era of innovation and efficiency.
As NTT DATA’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Yutaka Sasaki, stated, “Improving safety and productivity within the mining industry is fundamental.”
“NTT DATA will help address these challenges by providing a comprehensive R&D framework that incorporates generative AI, autonomous control of robots, operational understanding through digital twins, and process productivity improvement using quantum computing.”
Governance model for shared mining innovation
In addition to technology transfer, the alliance is anchored in a model of structured cooperation aimed at creating a long-term shared value.
This agreement provides a formal governance framework with strategic committees and technical coordination teams that assess challenges, project priorities, and execution.
“This alliance with Codelco represents a unique opportunity to combine our technological experience with the leadership of one of the world’s most important mining companies,” said Miguel Teixeira, CEO of Iberia, International Organizations, LATAM, and Consulting in Benelux and France at NTT DATA.
This model facilitates knowledge sharing and open innovation between the two organizations. This will contribute to the development of shared value, helping Codelco maintain its market position through learning and the adoption of new technologies.
Máximo Pacheco, Chairman and Board member of Codelco, highlighted that “the future of mining is built through alliances that allow us to learn, innovate, and adopt cutting-edge technologies to maintain our leading role globally.”
“Every step we take in innovation serves a greater purpose: to strengthen Codelco as a pillar of sustainable development in Chile and the world,” he added.
