Mining OEMs and the Solutions Revolution
Major mining equipment manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Komatsu, Sandvik and Epiroc are rebranding from pure hardware sellers to integrated, technology‑driven solutions providers. They are bundling autonomous haulage, remote monitoring and predictive maintenance into subscription‑style service contracts, aiming to capture a growing share of recurring revenue. Industry analysts estimate the solutions market could exceed $12 billion by 2028, driven by miner demand for lower‑capex models and data‑centric operations. The shift reflects a broader digital transformation across the extractive sector.
5 Minutes with… Haydon Mort
Haydon Mort, the founder of AI‑focused mining startups Geologize and SureOre, discussed his vision for data‑driven mineral exploration in a quickfire interview. He highlighted how Geologize leverages machine‑learning on decades of geological data, while SureOre delivers ore‑grade predictions with high...
Quantum’s Next Frontier: How Mining Companies Can Prepare for a Computing Revolution
Quantum computing is transitioning from research labs to industrial use, and the mining sector is emerging as a prime beneficiary. The technology promises to reshape orebody discovery, optimize complex mine operations, and accelerate materials innovation while also introducing new cyber‑risk...
Decoding the Mine: How Environmental DNA Is Reshaping Closure, Exploration and Decision-Making
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is moving from a niche science to a core mining tool, giving operators a biological layer of data alongside geology and engineering. Koonkie’s Mining Microbiome Analytics Platform (M‑MAP) translates raw DNA into actionable insights, allowing early tracking...
SPOTLIGHT: Clarity Before Commitment in Mineral Exploration
The article argues that mineral exploration failures often stem from moving too quickly without clear decision criteria. It stresses that true risk lies at the intersection of geology, land access, and permitting, not just subsurface uncertainty. By defining the specific...
Not a Chatbot Story. Understanding the Value Proposition of Generative AI in Mining Operations
Generative AI is moving beyond chatbots to address concrete challenges in mining operations. The technology’s value hinges on its integration into decision‑making processes that drive exploration, safety, and equipment reliability. By augmenting human expertise rather than replacing it, AI can...
5 Minutes with… Thea Van Rossum
Thea Van Rossum, chief science officer of Koonkie, explains how the company’s Mining Microbiome Analytics Platform (M‑MAP) is building the first large‑scale, searchable database of microbial DNA from mine sites. A recent partnership with Rio Tinto produced a comprehensive inventory of...
Zero Entry: The Next Frontier of Mining Robotics and Automation
Jake Harris’s latest column introduces "zero entry" mining, a vision where underground operations run entirely without human presence. He outlines how advances in autonomous drilling rigs, AI‑driven fleet management, and sensor‑rich environments are converging to make human‑free production zones feasible....
Are Mining Companies Setting Themselves up for Failure in Innovation?
Mining supplies half of the global economy, yet many firms treat innovation as a reactive fix rather than a strategic capability. This short‑term mindset hampers productivity, slows technology adoption, and threatens long‑term resilience. Industry analysts warn that without embedding innovation...
Bridging the Gap: How One Partnership Is Building Research the Mining Industry Needs
Global demand for critical minerals is surging, prompting a need for research that links real‑world mining operations with academic rigor. A new partnership sees a seasoned industry professional return to a university setting, co‑leading studies on tailings management, water use,...
Spotlight: “She’ll Be ‘Right, Mate” – Can Your Robot Pass the Turing Test?
Ben Miller argues that autonomous earth‑moving equipment should be judged by a mining‑industry version of the Turing Test – can seasoned operators tell a machine from a human driver? He notes that even the most mature autonomous haulage systems from...
5 Minutes with… Allison Coppel
Allison Coppel, founder of Pacha Associates and co‑founder of Maven Exploration, discussed the indispensable role of mining in modern economies during a rapid‑fire interview. She emphasized that every facet of daily life—from smartphones to renewable‑energy infrastructure—relies on mineral extraction. Coppel...
5 Minutes with… Brooke Bibeault
In a brief interview, Brooke Bibeault, chief executive of Makor Resources, outlines the company’s growth strategy and its commitment to responsible mining. She stresses the need for greater public awareness of where metals originate and highlights Makor’s upcoming copper project...
Engineering the Next Generation of Mine Sites
TerraAI’s AI‑driven mineral exploration platform is reshaping how mining companies locate ore bodies, delivering a 30 percent cut in drilling costs while boosting discovery rates. By fusing historic drilling data, satellite imagery, and real‑time sensor feeds, the system predicts high‑grade targets...
How to Lead Through Uncertainty: What Mining’s Hardest Decisions Reveal About Leadership
Mining’s inherent volatility forces leaders to prioritize organisational resilience over precise forecasting, according to a recent CIM dialogue. Former Anglo American CEO Mark Cutifani and industry veteran Doris Hiam Galvez emphasized that adaptive structures, safety culture, and rapid decision‑making are essential...