G4S Chile

secures milestone BHP mining contract

Under this 36-month agreement, a specialised team of over 30 on-site personnel will support the protection of the operation against complex security challenges, including unauthorised access and theft attempts in remote operating environments.

The deployment combines physical guarding, drones and intelligent access control systems, allowing the team to enhance perimeter monitoring and support the safe management of the continuous flow of workers and heavy machinery across the high-altitude facility.

“Securing this contract with BHP at Cerro Colorado underscores the critical role that advanced technology and specialised training play in modern, large-scale mining security,” says Pia Acevedo Torres, Mining Operations Manager at G4S Chile.

“In extreme environments like the Atacama, technology provides valuable lead time to support a safe and proactive response. By integrating aerial intelligence into our deployment for BHP, we can identify and assess risks at an early stage, strengthening situational awareness for our teams on the ground.”

All RPAS operations and data collection strictly comply with aviation regulations, privacy laws, and client-approved security protocols.
The Operational Context: Tarapacá Region

The Cerro Colorado open-pit copper operation is located in the Tarapacá Region, deep within the Atacama Desert - over 90km away from the nearest city.

Situated at high altitude, 2,600 meters above sea level, the site is subject to extreme weather conditions and thin air, creating a demanding environment for both personnel and equipment.

Supporting the security of this critical infrastructure in these conditions requires precision, planning and reliable operational coordination to help preserve business continuity and protect the daily flow of workers and heavy machinery.

Addressing remote security risks with tactical intelligence

 
The desert terrain surrounding the mine creates operational security challenges, including the risk of unauthorised access and attempted theft of high-value vehicles and heavy machinery.

To help mitigate these vulnerabilities at Cerro Colorado, G4S uses hi-tech drones as part of a broader, client-approved security model:

Preventive long-range patrols: Certified operators utilise drones to conduct forward reconnaissance in support of physical ground teams.

• Preventive long-range patrols: Certified operators utilise drones to conduct forward reconnaissance in support of physical ground teams.

• Thermal imaging insights: Flight crews use thermal sensors to support early detection capabilities in low-visibility conditions, streaming real-time data to coordinate an appropriate response under established protocols.

• High-precision mapping: Beyond perimeter security, the drone fleet may support authorised operational mapping and situational awareness, where required and within the agreed scope of services. To overcome the thin air, freezing temperatures and extreme wind conditions of the Atacama Desert, these aerial operations rely on specialised drones capable of performing reliably at altitude.

Beyond security: Emergency response support

The contract at Cerro Colorado extends beyond traditional security and surveillance.

Because the mine is located in a remote desert area where external emergency services may face long travel times, the G4S team is trained to provide initial emergency support within the agreed scope of services and in coordination with the client’s emergency response protocols.

To support this role, the on-site personnel are equipped and trained to assist in the initial management of certain industrial emergency scenarios, including machinery fire events, hazardous material incidents and medical response situations, always in accordance with applicable protocols and the client’s emergency management framework.

By combining advanced drone surveillance with a multi-skilled emergency response support team, G4S delivers an integrated safety and security model tailored to the unique operational demands of BHP Cerro Colorado.