Abstract
Codelco is the largest copper miner in the world. The mine operations are executed through seven mining divisions: Andina, Ministro Hales, Gabriela Mistral, Radomiro Tomic, Salvador, Teniente, and Chuquicamata. The value associated with the output derived from these mines represents approximately 8% of the world’s copper production. This value is forecasted in the life of mine plans and budget plans and realized in mine operations. However, realizing that value comes with many challenges ranging from declining ore grades, dealing with ore contaminants, scare water resources, environmental restrictions, managing social issues and community commitments, etc. So, to face this challenges Codelco has implemented a policy of technological innovation with the purpose to ensure the company’s competitiveness and sustainability throughout time. One technological innovation that has added significant value to Codelco has been the standardization of mining planning software. This paper will discuss some of the benefits and challenges associated with standardizing the mine planning software across Codelco’s seven divisions.