A survey study on the adoption and perception of artificial intelligence in the mining industry

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly viewed as a technology for resolving the mining industry’s long-standing challenges, from streamlining operations and cutting costs to protecting workers and safeguarding the environment. However, despite its potential, the mining sector has been...

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Main Authors: Reza Mahmoudi Kouhi, Ahmad Tariq Najeeb, Reza Taherdangkoo, Faramarz Doulati Ardejani, Christoph Butscher
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-07-01
Series:Discover Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-07342-1
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author Reza Mahmoudi Kouhi
Ahmad Tariq Najeeb
Reza Taherdangkoo
Faramarz Doulati Ardejani
Christoph Butscher
author_facet Reza Mahmoudi Kouhi
Ahmad Tariq Najeeb
Reza Taherdangkoo
Faramarz Doulati Ardejani
Christoph Butscher
author_sort Reza Mahmoudi Kouhi
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly viewed as a technology for resolving the mining industry’s long-standing challenges, from streamlining operations and cutting costs to protecting workers and safeguarding the environment. However, despite its potential, the mining sector has been slow to adopt AI on a large scale due to its cautious approach, high costs and resistance to change. To explore how professionals expect and perceive AI, this study surveyed 71 experts across managerial, engineering, research, and technical roles. The results reveal optimism about AI’s capacity to enhance mine planning, automate critical processes, and enable predictive maintenance, with cited benefits including better responses to complex geologies, improved safety protocols, and reduced expenses. However, respondents pointed out some obstacles, notably inadequate digital infrastructure, implementation costs, and social challenges such as workforce displacement and diminished human oversight. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration among industry and academia, supportive government frameworks, and specialized training to equip the workforce with digital competencies. By promoting a culture of responsible innovation and reskilling, the mining sector can fully use AI to create safer, more efficient, and more sustainable operations that benefit both workers and society as a whole.
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issn 3004-9261
language English
publishDate 2025-07-01
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series Discover Applied Sciences
spelling doaj-art-94965484b7ce4e8ea8cd89de73bf3c412025-08-20T04:01:36ZengSpringerDiscover Applied Sciences3004-92612025-07-017712110.1007/s42452-025-07342-1A survey study on the adoption and perception of artificial intelligence in the mining industryReza Mahmoudi Kouhi0Ahmad Tariq Najeeb1Reza Taherdangkoo2Faramarz Doulati Ardejani3Christoph Butscher4Institute of Geotechnics, TU Bergakademie FreibergInstitute of Geotechnics, TU Bergakademie FreibergInstitute of Geotechnics, TU Bergakademie FreibergSchool of Mining, College of Engineering, University of TehranInstitute of Geotechnics, TU Bergakademie FreibergAbstract Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly viewed as a technology for resolving the mining industry’s long-standing challenges, from streamlining operations and cutting costs to protecting workers and safeguarding the environment. However, despite its potential, the mining sector has been slow to adopt AI on a large scale due to its cautious approach, high costs and resistance to change. To explore how professionals expect and perceive AI, this study surveyed 71 experts across managerial, engineering, research, and technical roles. The results reveal optimism about AI’s capacity to enhance mine planning, automate critical processes, and enable predictive maintenance, with cited benefits including better responses to complex geologies, improved safety protocols, and reduced expenses. However, respondents pointed out some obstacles, notably inadequate digital infrastructure, implementation costs, and social challenges such as workforce displacement and diminished human oversight. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration among industry and academia, supportive government frameworks, and specialized training to equip the workforce with digital competencies. By promoting a culture of responsible innovation and reskilling, the mining sector can fully use AI to create safer, more efficient, and more sustainable operations that benefit both workers and society as a whole.https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-07342-1Artificial intelligenceAISustainabilityMonitoringSmart mining
spellingShingle Reza Mahmoudi Kouhi
Ahmad Tariq Najeeb
Reza Taherdangkoo
Faramarz Doulati Ardejani
Christoph Butscher
A survey study on the adoption and perception of artificial intelligence in the mining industry
Discover Applied Sciences
Artificial intelligence
AI
Sustainability
Monitoring
Smart mining
title A survey study on the adoption and perception of artificial intelligence in the mining industry
title_full A survey study on the adoption and perception of artificial intelligence in the mining industry
title_fullStr A survey study on the adoption and perception of artificial intelligence in the mining industry
title_full_unstemmed A survey study on the adoption and perception of artificial intelligence in the mining industry
title_short A survey study on the adoption and perception of artificial intelligence in the mining industry
title_sort survey study on the adoption and perception of artificial intelligence in the mining industry
topic Artificial intelligence
AI
Sustainability
Monitoring
Smart mining
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-07342-1
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