AI And Mining… Actual Mining
Mining veteran Bill Haylock delivered a keynote that delved into the intertwined connection between AI and the mining industry.
“AI is science, right? It’s part of the science gig,” Haylock began, drawing parallels between past scientific breakthroughs and today’s AI innovations. He emphasised that while AI is pushing many industries forward, it all relies on materials mined from the earth. “Life on this planet changed with the Bronze Age,” he reminded the audience. “From that moment on, everything in our lives and everything today is not possible unless it comes from a mine.”
With decades of experience in the mining sector, Haylock offered a comprehensive breakdown of its core components: exploration, approvals, construction, mining, and closure. Each phase is fraught with financial and operational risks. “The first three parts are hundreds of millions of dollars if not billions that get spent, get spent, get spent, get spent,” he explained, stressing the significant upfront investments required long before any profit is realised.
Haylock highlighted how AI is being utilised across the entire mining process, from exploration to governance. AI’s ability to process vast amounts of historical data, automate exploration, and enhance safety measures is transforming the sector. “We have quantums and quantums of data from the last 200 years of exploration,” he said, underscoring the critical role of AI in identifying new resources.
However, he also warned about the dangers of technology misuse, sharing sobering stories of industry failures. The Simarco Tailings Dam disaster and the Duke and Gorge incident serve as stark reminders of the consequences of neglecting safety protocols and indigenous rights. “There was no vision on what had been agreed to… this is the wrong thing to do,” he stated, urging for better governance and compliance facilitated by AI.
Introducing PX4, a third-generation software platform, Haylock demonstrated its capabilities in managing the complex processes of mining operations. This platform integrates AI to ensure compliance, manage data, and streamline operations from “cradle to the grave.” “We’re using a tool called PEEK to read Acts of Parliament,” he explained, highlighting the software’s potential to revolutionise regulatory compliance.
Central to Haylock’s vision for the future of mining is sustainability, framed through the principles of efficiency and effectiveness. “You can’t run without those two words. Every part of your business should be effective and efficient,” he emphasised, urging industry leaders to adopt sustainable practices that balance profitability with environmental and social responsibility.
Concluding his keynote, Haylock reflected on the lessons learned and the path ahead. The importance of taking small, deliberate steps and ensuring data privacy in AI applications were among his key takeaways. “Taking small steps is a really good indicator… and privacy, right now you’re playing with public tools,” he remarked, highlighting the necessity of cautious, informed progress in the integration of AI.
