The programme structure reduces the gap between pitch and contract for startups entering the Chilean mining corridor. Applications were filtered against published operational briefs covering areas including conveyor systems, concentrator optimization, mine operations, infrastructure and support services. Aster has previously supported more than 50 startups focused on mining-sector problems in Antofagasta, deploying $1.65 million in seed capital with presence in 25 mining operations. Open Aster forms part of Escondida’s “Proveedores & Futuro” plan and has been directly funded by BHP since 2023, following initial backing from the Regional Government of Antofagasta and Corfo.
BHP’s technology deployment in Chile includes 100 percent autonomous operation in the Escondida Norte pit, with 33 autonomous trucks and 11 drills in service. Over the past two years, machine learning and artificial intelligence integration at Escondida’s concentrator plants contributed to a 13 percent production increase. The operation processes more than 1.5 billion data records daily, manages 8,500 radios, over 900 cameras, 1,400 kilometers of fiber optic cable and more than 55,000 real-time field signals. At Pampa Norte’s Spence operation, digital solutions and process automation delivered savings exceeding 11 GWh of energy and 1.1 million cubic meters of water.
Madeleine Valderrama, CEO of Chilean AI startup Bruna, described the programme as unprecedented in scale and commitment, citing dedicated budget, technical hours and operational accompaniment. Mario Cabrera, general manager of MCCO, highlighted the opportunity to adapt technology to corporate-defined challenges with real implementation pathways. The complete list of selected companies and their assigned projects is available at asteraceleradora.com.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
