New data from MPI Recruitment reveals there is a growing divide across the mining workforce in regards to concerns about how artificial intelligence (AI) will shape jobs, teams, and decision making.
In 2023, MPI Recruitment first conducted this survey to find out if Australian mining professionals thought that AI and automation will improve or reduce job security.
The findings showed 32% saw potential, 18% had concerns, and the rest were either (41%) unsure or (9%) they didn’t think AI would impact them.
Three years later, the survey reveals that the industry appears evenly split, with 35% of respondents believing AI will improve job security, as well as 35% believing AI will reduce job security.
Meanwhile, 25% believe AI will have no real impact, while 5% are unsure.
AI is here
Speaking to Mining.com.au, MPI marketing business partner Mark Pearce says from 2023, the industry is seeing more AI and automation being used in work.
“Three years ago, a lot of the talk was coming from what people were reading in the news and headlines and discussing it at work,” Pearce tells this news service.
“Many hadn’t seen it impact things like workflows, schedules, and admin back then. Factors like workforce resistance and high costs meant the adoption of AI was slow to take off.”
However, this has changed as Pearce notes that industries are seeing AI systems being trialled, more admin and repetitive tasks being automated. and case studies like mining companies automating their fleet management.
“It’s here and people have accepted AI,” he says.
“Mining companies have an opportunity to be clearer about why AI is being introduced, where it will be used and how decisions affecting people will be made.”
What are the drivers?
To understand what is driving the survey respondents’ views around AI, MPI Recruitment asked people why they think AI will improve or reduce their job security.
Several consistent themes emerged, including many seeing AI as a useful tool for admin, reporting, and repetitive tasks, as well as a large portion expecting AI to lead to job reduction or smaller teams.
Pearce explains that planning, reporting, administration and maintenance scheduling functions are likely to experience the biggest impact first, according to the survey’s findings.
“One thing we shouldn’t forget though, is most mining environments still rely heavily on human oversight, context, site knowledge and judgement,” he says.
A recurring concern was also how AI will be used by companies, particularly around cost and headcount.
One respondent noted that it’ll make jobs easier, but “then they’ll realise they don’t need as many people”.
Another respondent said the issue is that workers will be expected to use it, then expected to produce more – “the resulting workload could lead to more burnout.”
Pearce says the survey reveals that few responses view AI as inherently negative.
“The general sentiment around job losses stood out the most – even though people have accepted AI can improve efficiencies and increase productivity, there’s a lingering concern that the most companies are able to implement AI into our work, the faster it will learn, produce more, and eventually replace swathes of skilled people,” he says.
Meanwhile, the remaining survey respondents believe core, site-based roles remain relatively protected due to complexities and variabilities.
An opportunity for companies
Pearce says there is an opportunity for companies to be transparent with workers in regard to how AI is implemented into the workforce.
“Mining companies can involve their employees early, rather than during or after AI has been implemented,” the marketing business partner says.
“Employees can benefit from the clarity around where human judgement still matters. Companies could also invest in training so workers understand the tools they’re being asked to use.
Reassurance is unlikely to be enough on its own. People want transparency, specificity, and evidence that their jobs are being considered alongside the efficiency and productivity gains we regularly hear about.”
In a nutshell, Pearce explains that mining companies can communicate their intentions around AI better, otherwise workers will continue to form their own narrative around it.
AI adoption in mining is no longer a consideration – as it is already here. But as MPI Recruitment’s results suggest, implementation is only part of the equation.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Unsplash
