Science & Tech · AI · 1 hr ago
AI systems help Zambian copper mine workers control production
A research team led by Yuan Zhaolin, an associate professor at Beijing University of Science and Technology, has developed AI systems for mines in Zambia.
The work began after Yuan visited the Chambishi copper mine in 2018 and saw workers judging a filling process by eye.
In this process, mine waste is made into a paste and pumped underground to support the rock and reduce solid waste.
The team adapted its systems to dusty mine conditions and trained local employees to operate them.
More than 200 Zambian employees have received training, and some trained workers have taught others.
The systems have cut filling costs by more than 19%, raised metal recovery by more than 2.5% at a flotation plant, and reduced energy use by 1.5% at a hydrometallurgical plant.
Yuan says AI should also help workers in traditional industries, not only people in high-tech sectors.
AI-based systems developed by a Beijing University of Science and Technology team are helping workers at several Zambian mining companies control production.
At the Chambishi copper mine, a system automates the preparation and underground delivery of paste used to fill mined-out areas.
More than 200 Zambian employees have received training to use the system.
The mine’s overall filling costs fell by more than 19% after the system was put into use.
The team also developed systems that raised metal recovery at Chambishi and reduced energy use at a copper plant in Luanshya.
- Who
- A team including associate professor Yuan Zhaolin of Beijing University of Science and Technology, and employees at Zambian mines.
- What
- AI systems help workers control paste filling, flotation and leaching processes.
- When
- The team’s work at the Chambishi mine began in 2018. The article was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Chambishi copper mine and other mining operations in Zambia, including a copper plant in Luanshya.
- Why
- The systems aim to solve production challenges, improve process control and support workers in traditional industries.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Truly valuable technology is not about pushing a few people to greater heights, but about helping more people cross the development divide and move together toward modern prosperity.
Teacher, I can do it.
Artificial intelligence technology should not focus only on and serve high-tech industries such as the information industry; it should also consider how these technologies can empower workers in traditional industries, including primary and secondary industries.
Yuan Zhaolin visited the Chambishi copper mine and saw workers judging paste-filling progress by sight.
Yuan and his team got the system working at the mine.
Cresto completed a full paste-filling control operation independently.
The team developed a flotation expert system at Chambishi and an energy-optimisation system at the Luanshya copper plant.
- Filling costs
- Reduced by more than 19%
- Training
- More than 200 Zambian employees trained
- Flotation metal recovery
- Increased by more than 2.5%
- Luanshya plant energy use
- Reduced by 1.5%
Sources
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