Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background Open-pit mining is undergoing a transition toward operational autonomy, with the Pilbara region of Western Australia serving as the global benchmark for driverless drilling and haulage synchronized through Digital Twins. However, the transferability of this model to emerging mining economies with distinct geography, infrastructure, and social context — such as Peru — remains scarcely systematized in the literature. Methods A mixed, comparative and descriptive documentary study was developed, structured according to the IMRaD format, integrating a systematic review of indexed literature (2021–2026), analysis of operational reports published by mine operators and technology providers, and the construction of a comparative matrix of nine technical-operational variables between Pilbara and five of Peru's leading mining projects (Antamina, Cerro Verde, Las Bambas, Toromocho and Quellaveco). Results Documented data show that Pilbara's autonomous fleets reach up to 92% equipment utilization, 100% private 5G/LTE network coverage, and a near-total reduction of incidents in autonomous drilling fronts. By contrast, the Peruvian projects analyzed currently operate at 65–70% effective utilization with dedicated connectivity coverage below 20%. The proposed framework identifies a realistic improvement potential toward 85% equipment utilization and up to 90% incident reduction through a phased 'automation-island' adoption strategy. Conclusions Adapting Digital Twin-guided autonomous drilling to Peru is technically and organizationally feasible, but it requires staged investment in private connectivity, fleet retrofitting, human-capital reprofiling toward teleoperation, and specific protocols for interaction with public spaces and Andean communities. The proposed framework offers a replicable roadmap for other mining economies with complex topography.</p>