Tag Archives: Mark O’Brien

How artificial intelligence is revolutionising the mining industry

Automation, IoT, Mineral exploration, Mining events, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , , , ,

The mining industry has always been at the forefront of technological progress. From the steam engine enabling coal mining to be profitable, to advanced drilling techniques, innovation has played a pivotal role in improving productivity and efficiency, the organisers of IMARC 2023 say.

In recent years, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a gamechanger for mining, allowing for more efficient exploration, taking automation to new levels, generating greater yields, dramatically improving safety, and maximising extraction, maintenance and operational performance.

Improving mine site efficiency

AI-powered systems are being rolled out across mining operations to enhance resource estimation accuracy. By examining geological data patterns and incorporating historical mining data, AI algorithms can provide more precise estimates of mineral reserves. This helps mining companies make informed decisions regarding investment, production planning and resource allocation, ultimately maximising the economic potential of mining projects.

Mark O’Brien, General Manager for Digital Technology & Innovation at CITIC Pacific Mining, notes that AI is already having a sizeable impact within the mining industry.

“In South Australia, mining companies already have access to a massive library of core samples, which are literally centuries of data,” he said. “Using AI-enabled algorithms, we’re now finding resources that were originally missed. The process is relatively similar to the advancement in DNA technology that has allowed criminologists to review and solve old cases.”

Farzi Yusufali, co-Founder of Stratum AI, a company which provides bespoke, AI-driven solutions to help mine sites increase their yields with lower risk, says: “One of our clients noted that their yield predictions in terms of what was pulled out would swing 30% each way on quarter-on-quarter. If you are processing millions of tonnes of copper, that’s a problem. Now with the application of our AI system we found there has been 58% accuracy increase in predictions quarter-on-quarter for the last couple of years.”

AI also offers immense potential in streamlining mining operations and optimising asset management. Through the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors, real-time data collection becomes feasible, enabling mining companies to monitor equipment performance, evaluate operational metrics and identify potential bottlenecks. AI algorithms can then process this data, generating valuable insights and predictive models that enhance decision making and prevent unplanned downtime.

Furthermore, AI-powered automation systems can significantly improve efficiency and safety in mining operations. Autonomous vehicles and machinery equipped with AI algorithms can navigate complex terrains, optimise routes and execute tasks with precision. This minimises human error, reduces the risk of accidents and enhances worker safety. Additionally, AI-driven predictive maintenance systems can monitor equipment health, detect anomalies and schedule maintenance activities proactively, maximising uptime and extending the lifespan of mining assets.

AI technology also holds promise in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability in the mining industry. For instance, AI algorithms can optimise the mine planning process, considering environmental factors such as land reclamation and habitat preservation.

Alex de Jager, the Managing Director of Conundrum Australia, says: “Our technologies focus specifically on creating efficiencies in operations and production, the absolute benefit of all that is not only in the profitability, but it’s in making the mines greener. If you’ve been able to extract more material from what you have mined, you can dramatically lower your electricity and water usage thanks to AI systems.”

de Jager says sensors and remote sensing technologies, combined with AI algorithms, enable continuous monitoring of air and water quality, allowing rapid identification and response to any environmental disturbances. Such monitoring systems help ensure compliance with environmental regulations and promote sustainable resource extraction practices.

Bridging the skills gap

Gavin Lind, CEO of the Australian Minerals & Energy Skills Alliance (AUSMESA), says the rapid advancement of AI presents unparalleled opportunities for the nation’s industries, including mining. For example, he says AI presents opportunities to transform how the most basic tasks are undertaken to make them quicker, safer and more efficient.

“The core function of a mechanic, which is to fix and repair a vehicle, does not change with the adoption of AI,” he said. “With AI, however, a mechanic may not be needed in a garage on a mine site, but can be stationed at a remote operations centre thousands of kilometres away.”

Encouragingly, the mining industry in Australia has already taken some steps to develop digital skills and Lind says AI is also helping address one of the industry’s biggest challenges: attracting the workforce needed to meet global demand. He says mining is at a disadvantage compared with typical city-based employers, as potential recruits can’t just go down to their local mine to see what it’s like firsthand.

He said: “In countries where mining operations are remote, AI can allow us to tell that story from capital cities with the assistance of virtual reality to attract a new generation of workers to the industry.”

Is excessive risk aversion stalling progress?

There is no doubt the industry is inherently hazardous, and risk management is a priority to safeguard both people and the environment.

However, de Jager believes being excessively risk-averse can hinder progress and impede opportunities for growth. In this context, he says, countries with more progressive attitudes towards embracing innovation have surged ahead in AI adoption, gaining a competitive edge in efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Conundrum Australia creates machine-learning software for the digital transformation of the metals and mining industry and de Jager believes Australia’s reputation for rigorous regulation means it can be a big challenge for a new innovator coming into the Australian market. Conundrum will be presenting at the 2023 International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Sydney later this year.

de Jager says: “The upside to this risk averseness is that no matter what industry you point to in Australia, the laws that govern that industry are incredibly tight and well thought out, well designed and well developed. Australia is a very innovative country, but it is also incredibly risk averse, and this can be a hurdle to market.”

He believes that by maintaining a low threshold to risk, Australia risks falling behind in the global race towards AI-driven mining solutions. Without embracing new technologies, mining companies in the country may face challenges in accurately estimating resources, optimising extraction processes and mitigating environmental impacts. Moreover, they may fail to capitalise on AI’s potential to create safer and more sustainable mining practices.

Trends in AI

When it comes to trends in AI, one of the most significant applications in mining lies in exploration and resource estimation. Traditional exploration methods can be time-consuming and costly, often yielding limited results. However, as Yusufali says, AI-driven technologies such as machine-learning algorithms and data analytics have transformed the exploration process.

She says there is a range of tools now available to analyse vast volumes of geological data, including historical drilling records, satellite imagery and sensor data, to identify promising areas for mineral deposits.

“With AI, geologists can optimise their decision-making by rapidly identifying potential mining sites, reducing the risk of exploratory failures, and saving valuable time and resources,” she says.

“AI in the exploration process can help mining companies find minerals and resources faster and more efficiently, by identifying patterns and anomalies in the data that might otherwise be missed by human geologists.”

International Mining is a media sponsor of IMARC 2023

Data is a mining company’s greatest asset

Automation, Careers in mining, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining events, Mining people, Mining software, Sustainable mining, Water management, , , , , ,

Mark O’Brien, Manager of Digital Transformation at CITIC Pacific Mining Management, believes that the mining industry is starting to turn a corner when it comes to making the most of data and automation.

Before hearing from him at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), taking place on October 29-31, and Mines and Technology London, taking place on November 25-27, Andrew Thake, Head of Content, Mines and Money, sat down with him to dig deeper into his attitudes around technology and automation in the mining industry.

What is your outlook for the mining sector in the next 12 months?

In the Australian space, there’s been a noticeable uptick in the mining sector, and although everyone is still very conscious of costs and not getting too crazy with spending up, there’s a lot of investment going on and we’re already seeing the usual cyclical issues with finding good talent becoming an issue in mining-focused cities like Perth.

You are speaking at Mines and Technology. In terms of innovation in mining technology, where does the biggest opportunity lie and why?

It finally feels like mining companies have realised that data really is one of their greatest assets, and many companies are starting to see some serious value out of exploiting the data they’ve been sitting on for years. Analytics, the application of data science and AI are all starting to show some huge potential to provide insights and support critical decision-making in ways that have not been possible to date. Some of this stuff will turn out to be ‘shiny object’ stuff, but there’s definitely some very pragmatic initiatives out there that are showing very real benefits.

I also think that a lot of mining companies have realised that taking technology seriously can enable some significant reshaping of the way they do business through greater automation, more integration of data and insights across their supply chain, and being able to operate leaner and more cost-effectively with real-time operational data at their finger-tips.

In terms of innovation in mining technology what is the major challenge facing the industry right now and why?

Obviously, some of the classic obstacles to innovation relate to mindset and culture, but I think we’re seeing change on that front. And, of course, truly innovative companies require strong and capable leadership, and that’s just not as prevalent as you’d like.

I’m not so concerned about lack of funding because in many ways I’m a firm believer that scarcity and constraint fuel innovation and creativity. One of the areas that I think is needing greater focus is in the area of interoperability because this will drive innovation by diminishing the dominance of proprietary solutions and open up the playing field for others to enter and compete. We’ve had to accept what certain vendors have dished up, but I think that’s now changing and mining customers are starting to work together to get better outcomes for the industry as a whole.

What are the cultural challenges of introducing technological change in a mining company? How do you win ‘hearts and minds?’

It’s not rocket science. It all comes back to taking the time to build relationships, trust and credibility through meeting expectations and getting things done. In our context, nobody enjoys what we call ‘Projects from Perth’ and we’ve found it hugely beneficial on lots of fronts to spend a lot of time at site meeting with our operational users in their context, really getting to understand their jobs and their challenges, and then trying to solve real problems in a collaborative way. You just can’t do this stuff remotely. It takes time and commitment, and sometimes having to forge your way through legacy perceptions of IT or technology being a waste of time or ‘irrelevant’.

How is your company responding to events such as Brumadinho and the need to rethink tailings and water management solutions?

I think most companies have revisited their tailings strategies and facilities to double-check and ensure that the risks have been properly understood and mitigated. In Australia, we’re fairly fortunately that many of our mines are in very remote locations where the threat to human life is not the main issue, but certainly the damage to the environment and impact on reputation and social licence to operate weighs heavily on mining companies following the tragic Brazilian catastrophes.

What is the biggest bottom-line benefit that innovating in technology has bought to your company?

It’s pretty hard to pick out any one item!  We’ve seen great outcomes in everything from IOT experiments to fleet management systems, private LTE communications, and a host of initiatives large and small.  Our technology group is one that operates in a fairly lean way, and we’ve proudly been able to kick some excellent goals with the business, largely by solving the right problems!

Can you tell us a little bit about what you will be speaking at Mines and Technology? 

One of the big themes that we’ve grappled with directly in our own business has been the interaction between IT and OT and, over the past few years, I’ve developed some thoughts around some ideas that I think need to be embraced by the mining sector if we’re to get the very best bang for buck out of our technology spend. It started out as a bit of a cheeky poke at IT, but turned out to strongly resonate with others I’ve shared this with.  Is it time to kill IT?

What is your rationale for attending Mines and Technology London?

I’m always keen to meet new people in the mining industry, especially those who are operating and leading in very different contexts to my own. I’ve actually never attended a mining conference in the UK, so I’m very keen to see who will be there, what the hot issues are, and have some interesting conversations along the way. I always try to pay attention, learn a little, and take home something to apply in my own patch. And, in general terms, anything which combines mining and technology is immediately attractive to me, so I’m looking forward to the experience and the program.

What are one to three books that have greatly influenced your life?

  1. Good to Great by Jim Collins…it’s an oldie but a goodie, and really changed the way I thought about leadership and culture. As a leader, I’m acutely concerned with developing the right culture within my domain because it makes our group not only way more effective at their jobs, but it also makes it a fun place to work.
  2. Getting Things Done by David Allen…helped me manage my world of responsibilities and actions so much more effectively with a simple system and set of principles that have soaked into the way I tackle almost everything. It’s a book I often give others.
  3. A Class with Drucker by William Cohen…loved it because Drucker was smart and remains relevant. I wish I’d been able to have a class with him!
  4. Atomic Habits by James Clear…fantastic book on making change happen in your life, and I wish I’d been able to read this earlier in my life. But, it’s a great book with some tremendous principles, and definitely has application into life and business far beyond just personal habits. It really provides a paradigm for understanding behaviour.

How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a ‘favourite failure’ of yours?

Without going into too much detail, I once entered into a role with huge reservations about the person I was going to be working for as my direct manager, but I thought I could offset that with other things. After going through a very tough year and eventually exiting that organisation, it really reinforced to me the importance of culture and having respect and good relationship with the person you are working for and with. It’s one of the big lessons I pass on to those I mentor, which is something I try to do because I benefitted hugely from people who took the time to proactively mentor me. The old adage is that people don’t leave companies, they leave bosses. I learned that one the hard way and I try to be the kind of boss that is a ‘keeper’.

What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the ‘real world’? What advice should they ignore?

I tell them to go and read (another book!) So Great by Cal Newport, to forget about pursuing their passion, but rather go try stuff and figure out what they’re good at. Once you’ve figured out what you’re good at and where you bring the most to the table, you suddenly find that you might have stumbled on your passion. Most lives are a bit serendipitous, but unfortunately many young people what to get to the end a little too quickly.

What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

Not sure if it’s a recommendation, but it’s definitely a ‘thing’ out there in technology land. Too often we spend too much time telling people what they can’t do, becoming gatekeepers and blockers on innovation and progress, largely because we can’t control it. I tend to take the view that we shouldn’t be saying ‘no’ unless we have a decent alternative to offer up. I’m a firm believer in making quick decisions and keep on moving, rather than slow decisions that cause you to get bogged down. Even if you make wrong decision, if you’re moving at speed you can quickly correct and redirect. Getting bogged and losing momentum is death.

Mark O’Brien, Manager – Digital Transformation, CITIC Pacific Mining Management – Sino Iron Project, will be delivering a presentation at Mines and Technology London, taking place in London, November 25-27, 2019, titled, ‘Is it Time to Kill IT?’

He will also take part in an artificial intelligence Q&A at the International Mining and Resources Conference + EXPO (IMARC), taking place on October 29-31, where he will explore ‘How artificial intelligence is changing the way we explore, mine and operate at CITIC Pacific Mining and the industry as a whole?’

International Mining is a media sponsor of both IMARC and Mines and Technology London. For more information on Mines and Technology London, click here

Teck’s Babaei joins GMG Artificial Intelligence Working Group

Mining industry recognition, Mining people, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , ,

The Global Mining Guidelines Group (GMG) has announced that its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Working Group, launched last November, now has two leaders.

Mohammad Babaei (pictured speaking on the left), Digital Mining Innovation Lead in Digital Operations at Teck, has come on board as a co-leader, joining joins Mark O’Brien, Manager, Digital Transformation at CITIC Pacific Mining, who has been leading the group so far.

GMG said: “The AI Working Group has already seen an incredible level of engagement. With this new team, Babaei in Canada and O’Brien in Australia, the group has leadership in both hemispheres.”

Early on, O’Brien said, the group knew it needed good global representation to reflect both how globally relevant AI is and how rapidly the field is changing. “Part of that meant trying to build good coverage with our leadership to make sure we could keep up and share the load,” he said.

Babaei has worked in a variety of contexts including open-pit mines, consultancies and universities. In his current role at Teck, he guides and supports digital innovations that improve safety, sustainability and productivity, according to GMG. “For example, he led projects applying machine learning in mining and maintenance and developing a unique real-time diggability solution.”

Babaei said: “AI can bring revolution in many streams of mining like mineral exploration, haulage, planning and logistics, safety and maintenance.

“I hope we will be able to promote better understanding of AI within the industry and open doors for collaboration between operators, subject matter experts, academia and other innovators.”

O’Brien said this partnership, and the working group’s collaborative approach, reflects the broader importance of collaboration and openness across the industry.

He said: “When you take a close look at the most exciting things happening in the realm of AI over the past few years, one thing that becomes quickly apparent is the most impactful advances are coming out of collaboration.

“Two leaders will, I hope, be far better than one.”

The AI Working Group has recently launched its first project. “This Foundation for AI in Mining project will provide a unified understanding of the basics of AI in mining that cuts through the hype and clarifies what methods are useful, and for what circumstances they can be applied,” GMG said.