Diversified mining group BHP has announced the establishment of its first Industry AI Hub in Singapore, a move aimed at accelerating AI adoption across the mining and resources sector as part of the company’s broader digital transformation strategy.

The new hub, expected to be operational this month, will bring together BHP’s AI specialists to address enterprise-wide challenges using advanced technologies to enhance safety, improve productivity and embed data-driven decision-making into core operations. 

The initiative is supported by Enterprise Singapore and delivered in partnership with AI Singapore (AISG).

“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 BHP 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.”

The mining giant selected Singapore for its strong digital infrastructure, dynamic innovation ecosystem and supportive government policy.

“We are excited to partner with Enterprise Singapore and AISG to further unlock the potential of AI,” said BHP chief commercial officer Rag Udd. 

“For BHP, this is an opportunity to build capability with industry and government working in sync. Singapore is a clear leader in AI industry partnerships. It has the talent and ecosystems to support industry-wide solutions in AI adoption with supportive and active government policy and investment in AI capability.”

The hub will expand BHP’s digital footprint in Singapore and the broader Asia-Pacific region. A team of AI specialists based in the city-state will lead collaborations between BHP’s internal teams and local AI firms to tackle operational and commercial problems using machine learning, predictive analytics and automation.

The partnership builds on previous AI initiatives by BHP, which have included optimising procurement processes and improving financial forecasting. At its Escondida copper mine in Chile, AI-enabled plant control systems have saved three-billion litres of water and 118 GWh of energy since the 2022 financial year.

Pak Sing Lee, assistant MD of Enterprise Singapore, said the launch of the AI Hub represented a milestone for the city-state’s ambition to be a global trading and digital innovation hub. “Commodity companies based in Singapore are harnessing AI to solve some of their global problem statements. We look forward to facilitating more collaborations with global commodities companies like BHP to grow their AI talent and capabilities.”

AISG AI innovation director Laurence Liew, said the partnership with BHP exemplified the transformative potential of AI in heavy industries. “By strategically deploying AI solutions to enhance decision-making processes, optimise resource allocation, and improve predictive maintenance capabilities, BHP is not just improving operational efficiency – they are fundamentally reshaping how mining operations can be made smarter, safer, and more sustainable.”

As the initiative progresses, BHP expects to launch additional projects and partnerships aimed at expanding the reach and impact of its AI capabilities.

BHP has had a presence in Singapore since 2001, with the city serving as a key commercial and innovation hub for the company’s global operations. The new AI Hub is the latest step in deepening that footprint and driving the next phase of its technological evolution.