BHP launches Industry AI Hub in Singapore

BHP has announced it will establish its first Industry AI Hub in Singapore to accelerate digital transformation and AI adoption in the mining and resources sector. The company says the Hub will focus on 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.

AI Singapore (AISG) is a national program hosted by the National University of Singapore (NUS). It serves as a central initiative to unify Singapore’s AI efforts across research institutions, industry and government agencies.

BHP says 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 reports it 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.

“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,” said Chief Technical Officer Johan van Jaarsveld. "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.”

“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,” said Laurence Liew, AI Innovation Director, AI Singapore.

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