Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming Canada’s mining sector, improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Mining companies are streamlining operations with less environmental impact while solving labour shortages by introducing AI technologies.
The mining sector in Canada remains a cornerstone of the national economy, yielding more than 60 metals and minerals and placing the country among the top 10 global producers of several commodities. Canadian mining assets totaled $336.7 billion in 2023, an increase of 6.9% year over year. But even with this growth, the usage of data to make informed decisions has led to a skills gap in the industry. There are about 10,000 unfilled positions in the field as of late 2024. To address this gap, organizations have turned to AI-driven predictive maintenance and automation to streamline processes and minimize labour.
“The mining space has always been focused on technological innovation, and AI is going to accelerate that,” industry executive David Birkenshaw explains. “Automation of key processes is reducing inefficiencies and helping us to address critical labour shortages.”
AI technologies are revolutionizing many facets of mining operations. These systems utilize large domain datasets as input to machine-learning algorithms, which can then improve mineral exploration to identify resources more accurately, in less time, and with lower costs. AI-enabled platforms make it possible to visualize data and analytics in real time, driving businesses to better-informed deductions and elevated efficiency. Moreover, AI-enabled predictive maintenance systems track equipment health, avoiding failures and minimizing downtime. This predictive maintenance not only lowers maintenance expenses but also increases the longevity of physical assets.
“With AI, we’re predicting and preventing problems from happening. This change in approach is making mining operations dramatically more cost-effective and reliable,” says Birkenshaw.
One of the biggest concerns in mining is safety, and AI can significantly improve worker protection. Miners are constantly monitored by AI-powered wearable sensors that look for signs of fatigue or physical discomfort and allow for timely interventions before an accident occurs. AI-powered autonomous machinery can work in dangerous environments, limiting the threat to human workers. These innovations foster a safer workplace and help lure a new breed of technology-savvy people into the field. Another use of AI-based computer vision systems is to monitor safety in real time for potential safety hazards, meaning that companies can intervene before they become safety problems. They strengthen regulatory compliance and promote a workplace safety culture.
AI is also making major strides in sustainability. AI can help lower the carbon footprint of mining operations and cut greenhouse gas emissions by analyzing energy consumption patterns and suggesting optimizations. Drilling and blasting techniques are optimized, waste is reduced, and the surrounding ecosystem is preserved with the help of machine learning models. Such eco-friendly efforts are necessary as the sector pushes to adhere to more stringent environmental standards and social expectations.
“The future of mining is about profitability and responsibility. Thanks to AI, we’ll be able to make more intelligent and sustainable decisions that will empower both business and the planet,” says Birkenshaw.
However, the utilization of AI in mining has its challenges. The bulk of AI production will rely on vast amounts of data, raising concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity that will affect the whole industry. Mining companies, technology providers, and educational institutions should work together to develop training programs that ensure that workers acquire the skills needed in an AI-augmented mining ecosystem. With the adoption of AI, mining companies must also prioritize ethical AI development and ensure automation and decision-making processes are transparent and accountable.
The role of AI in the mining sector is set to expand in the years ahead. Investment in research and development will continue. Technologies like quantum computing and next-generation automation driven by AI will create efficient and sustainable solutions. Industry leaders must collaborate to identify best practices to adopt AI responsibly and maximize the benefits while addressing risks.
AI is leading Canada’s mining industry into a new era of productivity, safety, and sustainability. Adopting these technologies as they advance will be crucial in maintaining the industry’s competitiveness and sustainability in the global market.
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“We are on track for a big change in mining because of AI and digital innovation. The companies that embrace these changes today will own the industry tomorrow,” Birkenshaw concludes.
