Lima, Peru – February 26, 2026 – In the heart of Peru’s rich mineral landscape, a quiet revolution is underway. Minsur, a prominent player in the Peruvian mining sector and a key subsidiary of the distinguished Grupo Breca, is not merely extracting valuable resources; it is fundamentally reshaping its operational paradigms through the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. With a history spanning over five years of pioneering AI applications, Minsur has moved beyond experimental phases, establishing these advanced technologies as a cornerstone of its strategic operational framework. This commitment to innovation is not only enhancing efficiency and profitability across its diverse portfolio of mines – including the San Rafael tin mine in Puno, the Pucamarca gold mine in Tacna, and its significant stake in the Mina Justa copper mine in Ica – but is also setting a new benchmark for the broader mining industry in the region.
The company’s journey with AI began with targeted applications within its processing plants, primarily focusing on its tin operations. However, the tangible benefits and transformative potential quickly became apparent, prompting an ambitious expansion of AI integration across a multitude of operational areas. This proactive embrace of cutting-edge technology underscores Minsur’s forward-thinking approach, positioning it at the forefront of digital transformation within the competitive global mining arena.
The AI Advantage: Driving Efficiency and Recovery at Mina Justa
A significant focal point of Minsur’s AI strategy is its stake in the Mina Justa copper mine, located in the Ica region. Here, the company is leveraging the power of AI and machine learning to optimize the processing of copper sulfide ores. The impact is direct and measurable: sophisticated AI systems are continuously analyzing a complex web of real-time variables that influence metal recovery rates. This granular, data-driven approach allows for dynamic adjustments to the processing parameters, ensuring that the maximum possible amount of fine copper is extracted.
The direct consequence of this enhanced recovery is a substantial increase in the volume of saleable copper. This improved output translates into greater revenue streams, directly bolstering Minsur’s financial performance. This strategic optimization at Mina Justa is further amplified by the mine’s recent digital modernization initiative, which includes the implementation of SAP S/4HANA Cloud. This integrated enterprise resource planning system is designed to unify diverse business processes, thereby streamlining operations and significantly improving the speed and accuracy of decision-making. The synergy between AI-driven operational enhancements and the robust, unified platform provided by SAP creates a powerful ecosystem for sustained growth and operational excellence.
Beyond Mineral Processing: A Broad Spectrum of AI Initiatives
The transformative influence of AI within Minsur extends far beyond the confines of mineral processing. Álvaro Escalante Ruiz, the company’s Vice President of Talent, Transformation, and Technology, revealed that Minsur is actively developing between 200 and 300 AI-driven initiatives across its various operations. This expansive pipeline of projects underscores the company’s deep commitment to harnessing AI’s potential to unlock value in virtually every facet of its business.
While the full scope of these initiatives is extensive, two particular areas highlight Minsur’s innovative spirit and strategic foresight:
Predictive Maintenance and Operational Continuity
One of the most impactful applications of AI at Minsur lies in the realm of predictive maintenance. By deploying sophisticated algorithms that analyze vast datasets from sensors embedded within critical machinery and equipment, AI systems can detect subtle anomalies and predict potential equipment failures before they occur. This proactive approach to maintenance is a game-changer for the mining industry, which is inherently reliant on the continuous operation of heavy machinery.
The traditional approach to maintenance often involves scheduled inspections or reactive repairs, both of which can lead to costly downtime and production losses. Minsur’s AI-powered predictive maintenance system, however, allows for maintenance to be scheduled strategically during planned downtime or at the most opportune moments, minimizing disruption to operations. This not only prevents catastrophic equipment failures but also extends the lifespan of valuable assets, leading to significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency. The system continuously monitors parameters such as vibration, temperature, pressure, and electrical current, comparing real-time data against historical trends and known failure patterns to flag potential issues. This allows maintenance teams to address minor problems before they escalate into major breakdowns, ensuring a more consistent and reliable production output.
Enhanced Safety Protocols and Risk Mitigation
The mining industry inherently involves significant safety risks. Minsur is at the forefront of employing AI to enhance its safety protocols and mitigate these risks. AI-powered systems are being utilized for a variety of safety-critical applications, ranging from real-time monitoring of hazardous environments to the analysis of worker behavior to identify potential safety breaches.
For instance, AI-driven video analytics can monitor active work sites, identifying instances where personnel are not adhering to safety guidelines, such as failing to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or entering restricted zones. These systems can trigger immediate alerts to supervisors, allowing for prompt intervention and correction. Furthermore, AI can be employed to analyze geological data and operational parameters to predict and prevent potential hazards such as rockfalls or gas leaks, thereby creating a safer working environment for all employees. The ability of AI to process and analyze complex environmental and operational data in real-time provides an invaluable layer of protection, safeguarding the well-being of Minsur’s workforce and minimizing the likelihood of accidents.
The Dawn of Generative AI: Empowering Autonomous Action
Minsur’s innovation extends to the rapidly evolving frontier of generative AI. Escalante shared insights into the development of a groundbreaking "agent of agents" within the company’s supply chain (supply) operations. This is not merely an advisory system; it is an autonomous agent designed to execute tasks. Unlike traditional AI that might offer recommendations and organize information, this generative AI is programmed to take decisive action.
This vision aligns seamlessly with Minsur’s broader digital modernization strategy, particularly its adoption of SAP S/4HANA Cloud. This platform is being strategically prepared to integrate Joule, SAP’s AI assistant, thereby embedding AI directly into the daily workflows of employees. The "agent of agents" concept represents a significant leap forward, envisioning a future where AI systems can independently manage complex supply chain logistics, optimize inventory levels, negotiate with suppliers, and even initiate procurement processes based on predefined parameters and real-time demand signals. This level of autonomy promises to unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency and responsiveness in Minsur’s supply chain operations.
The implications of such an advanced generative AI system are far-reaching. It could automate routine tasks, freeing up human resources for more strategic and complex challenges. It can analyze vast amounts of market data, identify emerging trends, and proactively adjust procurement strategies to secure favorable pricing and ensure the timely availability of critical materials. This capability to not only analyze but also act autonomously represents a paradigm shift in how businesses can leverage AI for competitive advantage.
Overcoming the Human Factor: The Challenge of Change Management
Despite the undeniable technological advancements and the immense potential of AI, Minsur identifies a significant hurdle to its widespread adoption: the human element. Escalante pointed to resistance to change as the primary impediment, rather than technological limitations or regulatory frameworks. The prevalent fear that AI will displace human workers is a significant driver of this apprehension.
Recognizing this critical challenge, Minsur is actively investing in cultivating a culture that fosters experimentation, continuous learning, and the seamless integration of AI tools into daily operations. The company understands that successful AI implementation is not solely about deploying sophisticated algorithms; it is equally about empowering its workforce to embrace these new technologies. This involves comprehensive training programs designed to equip employees with the skills needed to work alongside AI, understand its capabilities, and leverage its benefits.
Minsur’s approach to change management is multifaceted. It includes transparent communication about the role of AI in augmenting, rather than replacing, human capabilities. The company emphasizes that AI is intended to automate repetitive tasks, improve decision-making, and create new, more engaging roles for its employees. By fostering an environment of trust and collaboration, Minsur aims to transform employee apprehension into enthusiasm. Escalante concluded that once the workforce overcomes its resistance, the pace at which the company evolves and innovates accelerates dramatically. This human-centric approach to technological adoption is crucial for unlocking the full transformative power of AI and ensuring that Minsur’s digital journey is both successful and sustainable. The company’s commitment to its people, coupled with its bold technological vision, positions it as a leader in shaping the future of mining in Peru and beyond.
