The mining industry has always been at the forefront of technological advancement. Organizers of IMARC 2023 say that from steam engines that made coal extraction profitable to advanced drilling techniques, innovation has played a crucial role in improving efficiency and productivity. In recent years, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer for the mining industry, enabling more efficient exploration, bringing automation to new levels, yielding higher production efficiency, significantly enhancing safety, and optimizing extraction, maintenance, and transportation.
Improving the efficiency of the mining site
Artificial intelligence-equipped systems across mining operations are expanding to increase accuracy in resource estimation. By analyzing geological data patterns and combining historical extraction data, AI algorithms can provide more accurate estimates of mineral reserves. This aids mining companies in making informed decisions regarding investment, production planning, and resource allocation, ultimately maximizing the economic potential of mining projects. Mark O’Brien, Chief Digital Technology and Innovation Officer at CITIC Pacific Mining, highlights the profound impact AI is currently having on the mining industry. He states, ‘Mining companies in South Australia already have access to a vast library of primary samples that is truly mountainous in terms of data. With AI-equipped algorithms, we’re now finding resources that were initially overlooked. This process is somewhat akin to advances in DNA technology that allow forensic scientists to examine and solve old cases.’
Farzi Yousef-Ali, one of the founders of Stratum AI, a company providing custom AI-based solutions to help mining sites increase efficiency with less risk, says, ‘One of our customers noted that their performance predictions, as per what was traditionally proposed, will fluctuate by 30% each quarterly interval. If you’re processing millions of tons of copper, that’s a fundamental issue. Now, using AI systems, we’ve realized a 58% increase in accuracy in quarterly predictions over the past two years. AI also holds great potential for streamlining extraction operations and optimizing asset management. Through the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors, real-time data collection is possible, enabling mining companies to examine equipment performance, evaluate operational metrics, and identify operational bottlenecks. AI algorithms can then process this data, generate valuable insights and predictive models, improving decision-making and preventing unplanned failures. Moreover, AI-based automation systems can significantly enhance efficiency and safety in extraction operations. AI-equipped autonomous vehicles and machinery can navigate complex terrains, optimize routes, and perform tasks with precision, minimizing human errors, reducing accident risks, and increasing worker safety. Additionally, predictive maintenance systems based on AI can monitor equipment health, identify anomalies, actively schedule maintenance activities, minimize downtime, and extend the lifespan of extraction machinery. AI technology also promises to enhance environmental monitoring and sustainability in the mining industry. For instance, AI algorithms can optimize mining planning processes while considering environmental factors such as land rehabilitation and habitat preservation. Alex Dejager, CEO of Conundrum Australia, says, ‘Our technologies specifically focus on efficiency in operations and production. The absolute advantage of all these aspects lies not only in profitability but also in greening mining operations. If you could extract more materials than you’re currently doing, you can significantly reduce your electricity and water consumption thanks to AI systems.’
Dejager notes that sensors and remote sensing technologies, along with AI algorithms, enable continuous monitoring of air and water quality and facilitate rapid identification and response to any environmental disruptions. Such monitoring systems help ensure compliance with environmental regulations and .promote sustainable resource extraction practices
Exploratory Trends in Artificial Intelligence
When it comes to artificial intelligence trends, one of the important applications is in mining, exploration, and resource estimation. Traditional exploration methods can be time-consuming and costly, often yielding limited results. However, as Yusuf-Ali states, AI technologies such as machine learning algorithms and data analytics have transformed the exploration process. He says a wide range of tools are now available for analyzing vast amounts of geological data, including historical drilling records, satellite imagery, and sensor data, to identify favorable areas for mining operations. With artificial intelligence, geologists can expedite decision-making by rapidly identifying potential mining sites, reducing the risk of exploration failures, saving time in operations, and optimizing the use of valuable resources. Artificial intelligence in the exploration process can help mining companies discover minerals and resources more quickly and efficiently by identifying patterns and anomalies in data that may be overlooked by human geologists.
Filling the skilled labor gap
Gavin Lind, CEO of the Australian Energy and Minerals Skills Alliance (AUSMESA), says that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence provides unparalleled opportunities for industries in the country, including mining. For example, he says AI offers opportunities to change the way fundamental tasks are performed to make them faster, safer, and more efficient. He said: “The primary function of a mechanic repairing a vehicle doesn’t change with the adoption of artificial intelligence. However, with the introduction of AI, it may not be necessary for a mechanic to be located in an on-site garage at the mine, but rather they could be based at a remote operations center thousands of kilometers away.”
Encouragingly, the mining industry in Australia has already taken some steps towards developing digital skills, and Lind says AI also helps address one of the industry’s major challenges: “Attracting the workforce needed to meet global demand.” He notes that mining is in an unfavorable position compared to typical employers based in cities. He said: “In countries where extraction operations are conducted remotely, artificial intelligence allows us to observe this story from capitals through virtual reality.
?Does Risk Aversion Hinder Progress
There is no doubt that this industry is inherently dangerous, and risk management is a priority for protecting people and the environment. However, De Jager believes that excessive risk aversion can hinder progress and disrupt growth opportunities. He says that in this regard, countries with more progressive attitudes towards innovation have advanced in adopting artificial intelligence and gained competitive advantage in terms of project efficiency and economic viability. De Jager says: The advantage of this risk aversion is that no matter which industry you refer to in Australia, the governing laws are extremely strong, well formulated, and well developed. Australia is a very innovative country, but surprisingly risk-averse, which can be a barrier to the market.
He believes that by maintaining a low-risk threshold, Australia is falling behind in the global competition towards AI-based mining solutions. Without embracing new technologies, mining companies in the country may face challenges in accurately estimating resources, optimizing extraction processes, and reducing environmental impacts. Additionally, they may fail to utilize the potential of artificial intelligence to develop safer and more sustainable extraction methods.
