AI adoption in mining drives demand for data centers at remote sites
The expansion of artificial intelligence in mining is increasing demand for data processing close to operations, particularly at remote sites.
The adoption of artificial intelligence among mining suppliers in Chile rose from 30% in 2020 to 76% in 2025, while the sector’s digital adoption index increased from 70 to 76 points, according to the 2025 Digital Transformation Index for Mining Suppliers, prepared by Corporación Alta Ley and PMG Chile.
This progress is driving demand for on-site data processing and infrastructure capable of meeting the requirements of critical applications, real-time monitoring and remote operations.
In this context, modular data centers are beginning to be deployed at mining sites to complement centralized systems and meet requirements for availability, security and energy efficiency.
Digitalization is increasing infrastructure requirements.
This trend is unfolding in an industry where geographical and operational conditions pose additional challenges for technological infrastructure. Remote mining sites must contend with factors such as altitude, extreme temperatures, wind, dust and connectivity limitations, while the use of digital tools to monitor and manage operations continues to grow.
The 2025 Digital Transformation Index for Mining Suppliers covered 334 companies and recorded a six-point increase in digital adoption between 2020 and 2025. These indicators reflect the growing presence of data-driven technologies across the mining supply chain, along with increasing infrastructure requirements for data processing.
Operational continuity is also affected by economic and production-related factors. In July 2026, Chile’s economic activity fell 1.5% year on year, mainly due to mining performance, which was affected by lower ore grades, maintenance work and adverse weather conditions, according to the Central Bank of Chile. In this context, robust digital infrastructure helps sustain monitoring and critical applications, contributing to operational resilience.
Martín Jiménez, LATAM Sales Manager Modular Datacenters at Schneider Electric: “Integrated Operations Centers have made it possible to centralize monitoring and decision-making remotely from mining sites. This model can continue to evolve with on-site processing capacity, particularly as data-driven applications require faster response times and greater availability.”
Remote mining sites impose demanding technical requirements.
Technological infrastructure must also adapt to the specific conditions of mining in Latin America. Some projects in the region have required installations capable of operating at 4,800 meters above sea level, while others have had to withstand winds of up to 86 km/h and temperatures of -22°C.
In this context, mining companies have already deployed 40-foot modular data centers at remote sites, with the capacity to expand according to operational needs. Schneider Electric also has experience in mining projects in Peru, Argentina, Mexico and Australia, where its prefabricated solutions integrate power backup, cooling, information technology equipment, fire protection, environmental monitoring and remote management.
Modular design enables gradual capacity expansion.
This approach makes it possible to integrate multiple infrastructure components into a single solution, reduce on-site interventions and expand capacity gradually. At the same time, the adoption of these systems is leading companies to consider digital infrastructure from the earliest stages of mine planning.
Martín Jiménez, LATAM Sales Manager Modular Datacenters at Schneider Electric: “Digital infrastructure must be planned with the same time horizon as the other critical systems at a mining site. In this regard, modular design makes it possible to start with the required capacity and expand it in line with the operation’s evolution.”
Mining digitalization is increasing on-site data processing requirements and encouraging the adoption of modular infrastructure that can adapt to the conditions at each site and to evolving operational needs.
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