AI use in mining on the rise, says Augment Technologies CEO

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in mining is predicted to continue increasing as companies strive to enhance safety and improve revenue, according to AI mining solutions developer Augment Technologies.

Brice Gower, CEO of Augment Technologies, highlighted the growing demand for AI solutions in the mining industry. "Spending on AI-driven solutions by mining companies has tripled over the past five years. We’re not surprised by this rapid rise in demand for artificial intelligence by an industry where marginal improvements to operational efficiency can result in considerable bottom-line outcomes," Gower stated.

Gower noted that global mining companies are increasingly looking into how AI can be utilised to enhance their operations across the value chain. "The conversations we have with global miners all pivot back to how they can better utilise artificial intelligence to improve their operations throughout the value chain. As the broader industry has started to realise the potential of AI solutions, demand for the latest and greatest tech in this field has skyrocketed. Augment Technologies itself has tripled its customer base in the last 18 months," he said.

Marking AI Appreciation Day, Gower emphasised the importance of mining companies exploring the advantages of integrating AI technologies into their businesses. "Whether the solutions improve personnel safety on site or increase efficiency, the opportunities for AI include creating solutions which solve the problems in a way that goes beyond human capabilities," he remarked.

Gower explained that the use of AI provides mining companies with insights and data beyond human computational capabilities, assisting in the refinement of business operations. "By using AI, we provide mining companies with insights and data the human mind just can’t compute, ultimately helping these businesses refine their operations," he said.

The CEO further explained Augment Technologies' approach to AI, which involves augmenting rather than replacing human expertise. "The way Augment designs our technology is to focus on the expert who is currently responsible for solving the mining problem and think about how AI technology can 'augment' their experience with a level of computation, such that when combined, the expert and the technology are better than either alone," he said.

An example provided by Gower is the Muckpile Block Model, which uses AI to enhance the accuracy of modelling post-blast ore displacement. "In our Muckpile Block Model, artificial intelligence is utilised to more accurately model the chaos of blasting, to give geologists a better estimation of where valuable ore lands post pit blast. Instead of trying to automate the whole process like a silent black box, we return a standard block model of the muckpile which can be used in the geological modelling program of preference, leaving the experienced professional with better information to decide their next action."

Gower stressed the enduring presence and significance of AI technology in the mining sector. "Artificial intelligence is here to stay so if businesses haven’t realised how they can use this remarkable technology, then we are here to 'augment' their operations with solutions that empower their key people," he stated.

He concluded by underscoring Augment Technologies' commitment to helping their partners leverage AI technologies. "At Augment Technologies, we can clearly see what the AI-driven future looks like for the mining sector and we look forward to helping our partners maximise this revolutionary technology to create more resources for the world," Gower concluded.