Smarter leaching: using data at Antucoya to reduce inputs and unlock value
Innovation is a strategic pillar for Antofagasta and an important enabler of sustainable growth, operational excellence and long-term value creation. By applying digital tools and advanced analytics across its operations, the Group is strengthening its competitiveness while improving how efficiently it uses critical resources.
At Antucoya, this approach is delivering measurable benefits.
In 2025, the operation fully deployed SIRO Ácido, an in-house platform that uses real-time information about the ore being processed to optimise the application of sulphuric acid and water during leaching.
During the first quarter of 2026, the platform contributed to a 20% reduction in water consumption and a 3% reduction in acid consumption, while also identifying opportunities to improve copper recovery.
The value of this reduction is clear: using less water and acid can reduce operating costs and exposure to input-price volatility, while more precise treatment of the ore can help recover more copper from the material already being processed.
SIRO Ácido supports two important operational decisions. First, it recommends the appropriate amount of acid based on the mineralogical characteristics of the stacked ore. Second, it estimates how long the ore should continue to be irrigated, taking into account recovery rates and economic variables, including acid prices.
In practical terms, the platform helps Antucoya answer two questions: how much acid does this particular ore require, and at what point does continuing the process stop generating sufficient additional value?
The platform identified that approximately 25% of the material had previously received more acid than necessary, while 27% had received too little. This allowed the operation to apply acid more precisely, reducing unnecessary consumption while improving treatment of material where additional acid could support recovery.
The solution was developed entirely in-house by Antucoya’s Advanced Analytics team, with development beginning in April 2025. It is now connected directly to the operation’s agglomeration equipment through automated integration between its information and operational technology systems, requiring no manual intervention.
The platform has also been designed to be replicated across the Group’s other oxide operations, including Centinela and Zaldívar, where similar processing conditions could provide opportunities to extend these benefits.
SIRO Ácido demonstrates how Antofagasta is translating innovation into practical operational and commercial value: reducing resource consumption, improving decision-making and strengthening the performance of its existing assets.
