Written by Jamie Hyland
The MiningTech North America Conference, held in Vancouver, BC on October 29-30, 2024, gathered industry leaders to explore transformative advancements in mining technology, sustainability, and electrification. Topics covered included AI, automation, and electrification innovations, which showcased mining’s future, focusing on efficiency, productivity, and eco-responsibility.
Day one began with opening remarks that set a collaborative tone for innovation and resilience. Rob Labbe, Chairman of Mining and Metals ISAC, Canada, led discussions on operational resilience through innovation. A panel featuring Michael MacMillan, Rob Stephens, and Sunil Vedula delved into how technological advancements, AI, and decarbonization are shaping the future of mining. This panel underscored the importance of digital transformation and clean energy transition within the sector.
Keerit Jutla, President and CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME), addressed the MiningTech North America Conference , offering a forward-looking perspective on the evolving mineral exploration sector. With AME’s mission of advancing responsible exploration and development, Jutla emphasized how integrating new technologies can support sustainable practices and drive efficient exploration. His talk highlighted AME’s role in supporting miners and geologists as they adapt to technological innovations, underscoring how collaboration within the industry can contribute to responsible growth and sustainable resource development.
Stuart Sim from Bain & Company delivered a premium presentation on how generative AI can accelerate digital transformation within mining operations. With the right AI and analytics tools, mining firms can address complexities in automation, data analysis, and energy management. Sim noted that effective AI strategies could potentially cost companies upwards of $500,000 annually, depending on project size and data needs. However, the ROI on efficiency gains, safety improvements, and carbon reductions makes this investment worthwhile.
Speaker Terry Salman shared crucial insights on the current challenges in mining finance, particularly affecting junior companies. Despite high gold and silver prices, juniors struggle to secure capital, with the TSX Venture Index currently around 613, a stark contrast to its 2007 high of 3000. With over 35 years in mining finance, and as President and CEO of Salman Capital Inc., Salman discussed how financial strategies and technological innovation can fuel sector growth. His talk, Mining & Technology – Some Observations, highlighted technology’s potential in improving resource management and investment returns, emphasizing the need for adaptable finance strategies in a tech-driven industry.
Strategic Lessons on Digital Transformation and Safety
Alex Dow from Mirai Security Canada discussed the risks of digital transformation failures in his session “When Digital Transformation Goes Wrong,” referencing lessons from high-stakes environments. This cautionary narrative provided valuable insights for mining firms embarking on digital journeys, encouraging meticulous planning and robust security measures to mitigate potential pitfalls.
Sunil Vedula, CEO of Nanoprecise Sci Corp., introduced “Smart Mining” solutions, showcasing how AI and IoT advancements can bolster energy efficiency and equipment health. By harnessing real-time IoT data, companies are enhancing predictive maintenance and significantly reducing energy usage across operations.
Electrification and Net-Zero Commitments
Electrification was another core focus, with presentations exploring the journey to net-zero operations. The industry is increasingly turning to electric-powered vehicles and machinery, which are essential for lowering carbon footprints. Christopher Huggins, VP of Marketing at Pivot Electric Machines Corp., emphasized the role of cutting-edge battery technology in reducing emissions, stating, “Our next-generation battery systems are set to redefine the industry’s approach to achieving net-zero goals.” His insights underscored the critical role of electrification in sustainable mining.
The second day built on themes from day one, with experts sharing hands-on demonstrations of AI, automation, and electric power innovations. These advancements emphasize the practical integration of technology to boost productivity while minimizing environmental impacts.
The day’s opening sessions focused on AI-driven automation for domain depth analysis and electrification data, critical for optimizing resource use and reducing emissions. Mining companies are increasingly leveraging sophisticated AI models to analyze domain depths, helping streamline operations and improve environmental performance. However, the implementation of AI and data-crunching algorithms for such complex tasks can come with a significant price tag—often upwards of $500,000 annually, depending on the scale and scope. These investments are pivotal for companies committed to achieving operational efficiency and sustainable growth.
A session on “Smart Safety Solutions” highlighted safety-enhancing technologies, including wearables and remote-controlled devices. These tools are increasingly essential for worker protection in remote and high-risk areas, allowing real-time monitoring and significantly lowering risks.
Evolving Regulatory and Investment Landscape
The conference also spotlighted the importance of regulatory changes and ESG-driven investment trends. Investors are showing growing interest in companies with strong environmental and social commitments, a shift that incentivizes tech adoption for sustainable mining practices. Presenters noted that both policy incentives and private capital are aligning with green initiatives, making this a crucial moment for technology-driven transformation in mining.
Attendees engaged with exhibitors showcasing breakthrough technologies, including drones for mapping, autonomous machinery, and AI-powered analytics platforms. These demonstrations illustrated mining’s shift towards tech-enabled, environmentally-conscious practices. As firms continue to adopt these solutions, the conference highlighted that sustainable and profitable mining is achievable through focused innovation and industry-wide collaboration.
The MiningTech North America Conference illuminated a collective vision for a sustainable, tech-enabled mining sector, demonstrating the transformative potential of AI, electrification, and advanced safety measures. By uniting technology providers, miners, and investors, the conference underscored the importance of collaboration, investment, and innovation in shaping a resilient and responsible future for mining. This event provided essential insights and inspired progress, cementing its role as a crucial platform for advancing a modernized mining industry capable of meeting future demands responsibly and sustainably.
