Abstract

This panel aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in integrating AI into mining, offering insights from industry leaders and paving the way for actionable solutions that can drive the Canadian mining industry forward.

Mining and artificial intelligence (AI) represent high-opportunity areas for the growth of the Canadian economy and its evolution as a leading investment jurisdiction. There is a significant interconnection between these sectors, with expectations that AI penetration in mining could lead to reductions in fuel consumption, improvements in utilization time, and optimization of maintenance costs, potentially achieving margins of 10% to 30% depending on specific operating parameters. Despite these prospects, advanced case studies showcasing successful, result-driven implementation of AI-based technologies in mining are scarce. This panel discussion aims to explore the challenges hindering AI adoption in mining, identify growth opportunities, and discuss strategies to ensure AI generates tangible value reflected on miners' balance sheets. The discussion will also focus on how Canada can gain a home-grown advantage in AI implementation.

Key Discussion Points:

• Current State of AI in Mining: Examining why advanced AI implementation case studies are lacking and addressing the issue of "innovation fatigue" in mining.

• Challenges and Barriers: Identifying the main obstacles preventing the widespread adoption of AI in the mining industry.

• Growth Opportunities: Discussing potential areas for growth and how AI can be leveraged to optimize mining operations.

• Tangible Value Creation: Strategies to ensure that AI implementations have a measurable impact on miners' balance sheets.

• Fostering Canadian Leadership: Exploring ways to enable Canada to gain a competitive edge in AI implementation within the mining sector.

Speakers:

• Ash Agarwal, CEO, Symboticware (Moderator): Ash is an experienced panel discussion moderator, having successfully organized panels at events such as SME Minexchange, Future of Mining, Energy and Mines, and others.

• Claudia Mueller, Program Director, Global Metals and Minerals Management, SSB

• Wes Carson, Vice President, Mining Operations at Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

• Nelson Bodnarchuk, Vice President Health & Safety at Torex Gold Resources Inc