In 2019, International Mining Events, the sister company of International Mining Magazine publisher Team Publishing, launched The Electric Mine conference. Following the initial meeting in Toronto that year with around 150 people, it has grown to become the best attended and most global of any of the growing number of events covering mine decarbonisation topics.
Today, The Electric Mine averages around 750 delegates and is consistently supported by all the main global mining equipment OEMs, technology providers and leading mining groups in terms of attendance, sponsorship and speakers.
What is different about The Electric Mine? First of all it sticks to its niche – it has focused from the start on the equipment and technology, with project examples from real mine sites, and many of the presentations given jointly by technology suppliers along with mine owner operators. This makes it stand out from other generalised forward-looking mining events that try to encompass too many topics and streams, without getting into the detail that mining companies in particular want to hear about. Also, the scope of The Electric Mine has allowed us to pivot to reflect changes in the market – incorporating not just full battery-electric technology but also retrofits, including hybrids, IPCC, alternative fuels and engine technology – the list goes on.
The next step for IM Events was to find another topic where this approach would bear fruit, but it had to be the right one – something like electrification, a subject that all the miners are looking at and already introducing, and something that has the potential to bring real disruption to mining in terms of safety, efficiency and profitability. It has become clear over the past two years that this topic is Artificial Intelligence (AI).
It is shaping our daily lives already from AI-driven web searches to self driving cars, virtual assistants, healthcare – the list is seemingly endless. In mining, it is already being used in next generation on-board autonomous haulage systems, predictive maintenance and processing plant optimisation, ore sorting, mining tyre management, exploration and energy management. It is already spanning the whole pit to port value chain. Combining advanced algorithms focused on particular mining processes to large AI models with IoT, Remote Operations Centres, 5G networks, and cloud and edge computing has the potential to revolutionise mining, helping it get closer to ‘the holy grail’ of a truly autonomous, digital and intelligent mine.
Its importance in mining is illustrated by investments such as BHP’s new Industry AI Hub in Singapore, launched this year to accelerate AI adoption in the mining sector. AI Singapore and AI Innovation Director, Laurence Liew, stated: “By strategically deploying AI solutions to enhance decision-making processes, optimise resource allocation and improve predictive maintenance capabilities, BHP is not just improving operational efficiency – they are fundamentally reshaping how mining operations can be made smarter, safer and more sustainable.”
Rio Tinto has also invested heavily in AI – and has deployed a lot of AI-driven technology at its most digitalised operation, Gudai-Darri. In addition to technology already in use across its operations – such as autonomous trucks, trains and drills – it says Gudai-Darri is far more automated and digitised, including advanced data analytics. Rio Tinto: “This level of automation allows us to operate equipment and vehicles remotely from Perth, improving safety and efficiency. Significant innovations include a digital replica of the processing plant that’s accessible in real time by workers in the field, as well as integrated mine automation and simulation systems. Other innovations include autonomous water carts, a rotable bucket wheel reclaimer and a fully automated laboratory integrated within the mine. Gudai-Darri sets a benchmark for our industry in terms of automation and using real-time data to drive decisions – making mining safer and more productive.”
But the real potential of AI is yet to be fully understood or realised, whether at a specific task or whole mine level, so it is an area that will benefit hugely from another technology-driven, high quality conference and exhibition.
So, we are very excited to reveal the next conference series from IM Events. The Electric Mine will now be joined by a second event, The AI Mine. The first installment of the event will be in 2027 – this is to allow us to choose the right location and to make sure we bring together the right mix of innovators, technology and platform providers, miners and OEMs. If you are interested in getting involved whether as an attendee, sponsor, speaker or exhibitor, please reach out to us and we will keep you updated as more details are confirmed.