John Slaven of MineSense on Turning Every Shovel Into a Data Engine

Key Takeaways

• Sensors deliver instant copper grade on shovels
• Real-time data boosts ore recovery, cuts waste
• Deployed at 16 global mines, 30% revenue growth
• Scalable to single shovels, benefits small operators
• Expansion targeting nickel, iron ore after copper focus

Summary

At PDAC 2026, MineSense CEO John Slaven unveiled a sensor system that mounts on mining shovels to deliver instant copper grade readings as material is loaded onto trucks. The real‑time ore intelligence lets operators immediately route ore to the mill or waste, boosting recovery without expanding mine footprints. MineSense now operates at roughly 16 sites worldwide, reporting about 30 % revenue growth, and its hardware‑plus‑data‑service model scales from large fleets to single shovels. Future plans target nickel, iron ore and broader mineral applications.

Pulse Analysis

Mining has traditionally relied on periodic sampling and long‑lag models, leaving operators with coarse estimates of ore quality. MineSense disrupts that paradigm by mounting rugged sensors directly on large shovels, delivering copper grade readings the moment material leaves the pit. This point‑of‑extraction intelligence turns each load into a data point, allowing crews to route ore to the mill or waste to a pile instantly. The result is a shift from average‑based decisions to measurement‑driven actions, tightening the feedback loop that governs extraction efficiency.

Since its debut, MineSense has been installed at roughly 16 mine sites, driving about 30 % annual revenue growth as major producers adopt the platform. The business model pairs durable hardware with subscription‑based data services, creating a recurring revenue stream while ensuring continuous sensor calibration and support. Because the system can be fitted to a single shovel or a front‑end loader, even modest operations gain the same granular insight as multibillion‑dollar mines. This scalability lowers the barrier to entry and accelerates industry‑wide adoption of data‑driven mining practices.

Looking ahead, MineSense is extending its sensor suite beyond copper to nickel and bulk iron ore, recognizing the growing demand for critical minerals and the need for tighter grade control. Granular, real‑time data also reshapes long‑term mine planning, enabling more accurate resource models and reducing uncertainty in downstream processing. As miners grapple with tighter environmental regulations and declining discovery rates, the ability to extract additional value from existing pits becomes a competitive differentiator. MineSense’s approach therefore positions it at the forefront of the digital transformation sweeping the mining sector.