PETRA Data Science is challenging conventional narratives surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the mining sector.
With the global expansion of AI use, the mining industry is learning how to incorporate these technologies into operations. According to BHP (ASX:BHP), technologies implemented in the mining sector can increase workplace efficiency, reduce costs, improve safety and minimise environmental impact.
Mining operations are increasingly adopting AI technology, specifically with respect to the wellbeing of employees.
As reported by Mining.com.au in October 2024, the Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference (QMIHSC) has placed a focus on the integration of advanced technology for health and safety purposes. The QMIHSC recognised Russell Mineral Equipment with its Innovation Award for the Russell 7 Model R AutoMotion Mill Relining Machine.
RME also won the inaugural Mining.com.au Masters of Mining ‘Excellence in Safety Shield’ in 2024. The shield recognises a company, individual, or program that is committed to ensuring safety, removing risks, or reducing potential worker harm on a project or mine.
This aforementioned technology uses automation to reline mills, controlling multiple functions concurrently and eliminating the need for crew to enter the mill and improving workplace safety.
Recent developments have also seen advancements in surveillance technology, to protect employees entering high-risk zones.
PETRA Data Science is a development company, deploying machine learning models in mining operations.
PETRA aims to develop the correlation between conventional narratives that are frequently used in global AI policy frameworks, with the effects that incorrectly used terms may have on mining operations.
CEO Penny Stewart says that by overusing terms like “trust” comes a risk in shifting the conversation from accountability.
“We should be less concerned about whether AI itself is ‘trustworthy’, and more focused on whether the developers and deployers of AI meet the same professional, regulatory, and contractual standards expected of any engineering, equipment, and technology suppliers,” Stewart says.
Stewart will be representing the company as a keynote speaker at the Global Mining Guidelines (GMG) Group Brisbane Forum and the AusIMM APCOM Conference.
The GMG Group Brisbane Forum will be held at the University of Queensland on 16-17 July 2025.
The AusIMM APCOM Conference will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on 10-13 August 2025.
While the focus of mining companies for the past decade has been on safety, ESG, and commercial performance, the next 10 years will be underpinned by a major shift driven by AI, automation, and emerging technologies.
Grand View Research estimates the mining automation market in Australia will reach a projected revenue of US$551.8 million by 2030, up from US$282.6 million in 2023 and growing at an annual rate of 10%.
Equipment automation was the largest revenue generator in 2023, but Grand View Research says software automation is the most lucrative and expected to register the fastest growth between 2024 and 2030, as reported by Mining.com.au.
According to Swedish multinational electrification and automation firm ABB, innovations in AI, machine learning and the industrial internet of things (IoT) all have the potential to save the sector hundreds of billions of dollars.
Austmine CEO Christine Gibbs Stewart recently told Mining.com.au the mining, equipment, technology and services (METS) sector in particular is at the forefront of developing technologies transforming the the resources industry.
Gibbs Stewart says for businesses to stay ahead, they need to understand where the industry is heading and how to adapt.
The upcoming Global Resources Innovation Expo (GRX25) is expected to be the catalyst for conversations around this evolving landscape. GRX25 is described as an event “designed by the industry, for the industry” and is being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre 20-22 May.
Mining.com.au is an official media partner of GRX25. Click here to register.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: PETRA Data Science
