Author: admin

November 21, 2025

NTT DATA Group Corporation

The agreement will enable the exploration and implementation of cutting-edge technologies — namely, advanced innovations that transform the industry and address global challenges, such as artificial intelligence and advanced connectivity networks, among others — with a focus on safety, sustainability, and the development of new capabilities.

Tokyo, November 20, 2025. – NTT DATA, a global leader in AI, digital business and technology services, and Codelco (National Copper Corporation of Chile), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) marking the beginning of a strategic alliance aimed at driving future mining. The agreement seeks to integrate emerging technologies and advanced solutions that strengthen automation, safety, and sustainability in the operations of the world’s leading copper producer.

From left: Yutaka Sasaki, President and CEO, NTT DATA; Máximo Pacheco, Chairman of CODELCO’s Board of Directors; and Miguel Teixeira, CEO, NTT DATA IBIOL.

This agreement was signed at NTT DATA’s global headquarters in Tokyo by Máximo Pacheco, Chairman of CODELCO’s Board of Directors, and Miguel Teixeira, CEO Iberia, International Organisations, LATAM and Consulting in Benelux and France at NTT DATA, Inc.

Yutaka Sasaki, President and CEO of NTT DATA, attended the signing as a witness to acknowledge the collaboration between both parties. The MoU encompasses a wide range of collaboration areas, including advanced connectivity and digital infrastructure (5G/6G, photonic and satellite networks), generative artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, autonomous operations, and clean technologies, among others.

Potential joint initiatives will be implemented progressively through a cooperation model that promotes knowledge transfer, open innovation, and the creation of shared value between both organizations, combining NTT DATA’s global cutting-edge experience and capabilities to transform industrial processes with Codelco’s mining expertise.

“The future of mining is built through alliances that allow us to learn, innovate, and adopt cutting-edge technologies to maintain our leading role globally. Every step we take in innovation serves a greater purpose: to strengthen Codelco as a pillar of sustainable development in Chile and the world,” highlighted Máximo Pacheco, Chairman of Codelco’s Board of Directors.

“This alliance with Codelco represents a unique opportunity to combine our technological experience with the leadership of one of the world’s most important mining companies. Together, we will drive a new era of innovation and efficiency in global mining,” emphasized Miguel Teixeira, CEO Iberia, International Organisations, LATAM and Consulting in Benelux and France at NTT DATA, Inc.

“Improving safety and productivity within the mining industry is fundamental. NTT DATA will help address these challenges by providing a comprehensive R&D framework that incorporates generative AI, autonomous control of robots, operational understanding through digital twins, and process productivity improvement using quantum computing,” added Yutaka Sasaki, President and CEO, NTT DATA. “We look forward to collaboratively advancing the product.”

The agreement includes a governance structure with strategic committees and technical coordination teams responsible for evaluating challenges and opportunities, as well as prioritizing and overseeing the execution of programs and projects.

Millions of households will see a slight rise in gas and electricity prices at the height of winter, after regulator Ofgem outlined its next price cap.

The 0.2% increase from the current cap will take effect at the start of January, and affect those on variable tariffs in England, Wales and Scotland.

However, prices will be slightly lower than the same period the previous year.

Gas and electricity bills remain relatively high, and the sudden drop in temperature has brought the costs to the forefront of people’s minds.

“While wholesale energy costs are stabilising, they still make up the largest portion of our bills which leaves us open to volatile prices,” said Tim Jarvis, from Ofgem.

But Dame Clare Moriarty, from Citizens Advice, said: “With bills still drastically higher than before the energy crisis, and due to rise again from April, it’s high time for decisions about the longer term.”

The cap sets the maximum price that can be charged for each unit of gas and electricity, not the total bill – so those who use more energy, pay more.

The Ofgem cap is illustrated with a household using a “typical” amount of 11,500 kWh of gas and 2,700 kWh of electricity a year with a single bill for gas and electricity, settled by direct debit.

This illustrative household would see a £3 rise in its annual bill from £1,755 to £1,758.

However, the amount used varies significantly between households, so the best way to calculate the change is to work out the percentage change from your own usual annual bill.

Charities say they are seeing people owing increasing levels of unpaid bills and charges to suppliers.

The total amount owed has reached a record £4.4bn, prompting plans from Ofgem to ensure energy companies write off some of that debt.

Up to £500m could be knocked off the total under plans that the regulator wants to take effect early next year.

Dhara Vyas, chief executive of Energy UK, which represents suppliers, said anyone facing difficulties paying should contact their energy provider as soon as possible.

“We know that far too many people are struggling to pay for the energy they need to use,” she said.

But she added that suppliers could help with efficient appliances, tailoring the tariff to customers’ needs or ensuring people were on the correct benefits.

The government has hinted at extra cost-of-living support in the Budget on 26 November.

One option said to be under consideration is removing VAT from energy bills, which would cut approximately £80 from annual bills.

Energy Minister Martin McCluskey said: “We know that energy bills remain too high. That is why we are taking immediate action, with millions more families receiving £150 off their bills through the expanded Warm Home Discount scheme this winter.”

However, analysts say the main driver of energy bills is shifting from sky-high wholesale prices to the cost of overhauling and maintaining the country’s energy networks.

In the meantime, as the cold weather sets in, various tips are available to keep people warm while controlling costs, including clothing, insulation and heating rooms people are in rather than the whole home.