Introduction
Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management and automation, has announced plans to establish a Latin American Mining Innovation Center. The facility, slated to open in the first quarter of 2026, will serve as a hub for co-innovation, testing and demonstration of technologies designed to boost productivity, sustainability and safety across the mining sector. By bringing together industry experts, local partners and Schneider Electric’s own R&D teams, the center aims to accelerate the region’s transition to a digital, decarbonized mine of the future.
Background
Latin America is home to some of the world’s largest mineral producers and reserves, accounting for roughly a quarter of global copper output and significant shares of lithium, silver and gold. However, many operations still rely on legacy equipment, fossil-fuel-dependent power sources and manual processes. In recent years, mining companies in Chile, Peru, Mexico and Brazil have committed to reducing carbon footprints, improving water stewardship and digitizing operations to remain competitive and meet investor expectations.
Schneider Electric, already active in the region through local offices, project engineers and service centers, has identified an opportunity to deepen its engagement with mining customers. “Our clients are under growing pressure to deliver more resources with fewer emissions, lower costs and stronger safety performance,” said José Romero, Schneider Electric’s Senior Vice President for Latin America. “This innovation center will give them hands-on access to the latest digital platforms, electrification solutions and real-time monitoring tools.”
Center Capabilities and Offerings
The LatAm Mining Innovation Center will be located in Santiago, Chile, leveraging the city’s proximity to major copper mines and its established mining engineering talent pool. Key features will include:
• Technology Demonstration Labs: Showcases of Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure for Mining architecture, including air-insulated switchgear, modular medium-voltage systems, renewable energy integration, microgrids and EV charging infrastructure for haul trucks.
• Digital Twin and Analytics Zone: A sandbox environment where operators can model mine layouts, simulate asset performance and test predictive-maintenance algorithms before rolling out changes on-site.
• Sustainability Workshop: Interactive exhibits on water-recycling systems, solar-and-wind hybrid power plants, battery energy storage and carbon-capture trial modules.
• Training and Co-innovation Spaces: Conference rooms, classrooms and maker labs where Schneider Electric experts will host workshops, certification courses and hackathons in partnership with local universities such as the University of Chile and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
• Field-Connectivity Test Track: An on-premises simulated mine corridor for validating ruggedized wireless communications (5G, private LTE) and autonomous equipment interoperability.
Strategic Goals
1. Accelerate Electrification and Decarbonization
The center will demonstrate pathways to replace diesel-fueled equipment with electric alternatives, supporting operators in cutting greenhouse-gas emissions by up to 30% over five years. Integrating renewables and energy-storage systems into microgrids can further reduce reliance on grid-imported power and lower operating expenditures.
2. Drive Digital Transformation
Through real-time monitoring, edge computing and advanced analytics, the facility will help mining companies optimize processes—from ore crushing and grinding to material handling—and improve uptime by predicting failures before they occur.
3. Cultivate Local Talent and Partnerships
By collaborating with universities, vocational schools and government agencies, Schneider Electric plans to train over 200 engineers and technicians annually, boosting the region’s skills base in emerging fields such as data science, cybersecurity and sustainable engineering.
Industry Impact
Mining executives and government officials have lauded the initiative as timely. Chile’s Undersecretary of Mining, Elena Fuentes, noted, “This center aligns with our national agenda to modernize the sector, reduce carbon intensity and foster technological innovation.” Similar sentiment has come from Peru and Mexico, where regulators are encouraging digitalization to enhance safety and traceability across the mineral value chain.
Major mining firms—among them Codelco, BHP and Antofagasta Minerals—are expected to participate in pilot projects at the center, testing solutions tailored to high-altitude operations, water-scarce environments and remote electrification challenges. Local small-and-medium-sized mines will also have access to scaled-down demonstrations, enabling broader adoption of best practices.
Economic and Social Benefits
Schneider Electric has committed an initial investment of USD 12 million to build out the center and equip it with the latest technologies. The operation will generate approximately 50 direct jobs in engineering, project management and facility operations, and support hundreds more indirectly through local supply chains. In addition, the company will offer scholarships and internships to students from underrepresented communities, aiming to foster diversity in engineering and technology roles.
Conclusion
The Schneider Electric LatAm Mining Innovation Center represents a strategic bet on the region’s future. By providing a collaborative space for customers, academia and technology partners to converge, the facility seeks to fast-track the adoption of digital and sustainable mining practices. In doing so, it aims to help Latin American producers remain globally competitive while meeting the world’s rising demand for responsibly sourced minerals.
Key Takeaways
• Regional Hub for Innovation: The Santiago-based center will serve as a one-stop shop for demonstrating and testing mining technologies—ranging from electrification to digital twins—to Latin American operators.
• Sustainability and Efficiency Focus: Schneider Electric targets a 30% reduction in emissions and up to 20% savings in operational costs through energy-management and renewable integration solutions.
• Skills and Partnerships: With training programs for over 200 professionals yearly and collaborations with local universities and mining firms, the initiative aims to strengthen the region’s talent pool and foster co-innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why did Schneider Electric choose Santiago for the center?
Santiago is a global mining hub, with close proximity to major copper operations and a skilled workforce in engineering and technology. The city offers strong infrastructure, academic partnerships and access to regional markets.
2. Will smaller mines have access to the center’s offerings?
Yes. Schneider Electric plans to designate a portion of lab time and trial capacities specifically for small-and-medium-sized mining companies, ensuring they can evaluate and implement solutions at an appropriate scale.
3. How will the center contribute to carbon-reduction targets?
By showcasing electrification of diesel equipment, integration of solar and wind power, microgrid management and energy-storage systems, the facility provides real-world case studies that can help mines cut fossil-fuel use and lower greenhouse-gas emissions by up to 30%.
