Digitalisation in mining explored

In a world of rapidly evolving technology, the mining industry looks to leverage such advancements and keep apace. With systems previously incomprehensible being widely implemented across the industry, professionals are striving to stay ahead of the curve.

Key industry players descended on Perth, WA from August 10-13 for the Applications of Computers & Operation Research in the Minerals Industry (APCOM) Conference 2025 to witness firsthand the digitalisation of the resource sector.

The conference combined industry and academia to share ideas, innovations and solutions. With more than 80 technical presentations, a key theme of the conference was to address challenges in the areas of operational research and technological advancements in the minerals industry.

APCOM attracted a global audience with its extensive program that includes informative workshops, a world class exhibition, abundant networking opportunities and presentations by global leading industry experts.

Established in 1961, APCOM has a long-standing history of inspiring collaboration between industry and academia — teaching the future of industry from today’s leading experts.

This historic event is now held biannually at changing locations globally. It showcases the latest technology, discusses the critical issues facing minerals and mining and fosters future prosperity.

This year, APCOM returned to Australia for the third time, bringing together experts from business and operations in the minerals industry to discuss the future of technology.

With an overarching theme of the digitalisation of the resource sector, the comprehensive program explored its applications in the areas of exploration and geology, mine planning and operations, advanced technologies, sustainable practices and investment and risk management.

The first day of APCOM2025 set the tone for an inspiring week of innovation and collaboration across the global mining and resources community.

From the first session, the program was packed with forward-thinking presentations exploring how data, technology and new approaches to problem-solving are shaping the future of the industry.

Petra Data Science chief executive Penny Stewart opened the conference with her keynote, Holding AI technology to account. Dr Stewart delved into the reality of AI, its implications across the mining industry and responsible implementation.

A standout moment of the first day was the insightful panel discussion moderated by University of Witwatersrand professor Cuthbert Musingwini and featuring Pocketknife Group chief executive Cam Stevens, Mining and Space director Michelle Keegan, Dr Stewart and GEOVIA Management director Ralph Smith.

Their conversation spanned topics including the real-world impact of AI and automation, the challenges of building trust in data-driven decision-making and the importance of bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and on-site application.

The energy in the room was a testament to the shared commitment of industry leaders, academics and innovators to tackle the sector’s most pressing challenges head-on while also exploring the incredible opportunities that lie ahead.

Day two featured an inspiring presentation from Amazon Web Services technology and customer solutions director Ben Cabanas.

As companies invest in autonomous haulage systems (AHS), predictive maintenance and AI-drive exploration, the traditional roles of miners and engineers are being redefined.

MobileTronics chief executive Dr Christoph Mueller blended his more than 30 years of experience machinery automation with forward-thinking innovation to his keynote — Pioneering underground machine automation since 1992: Snapshots of personal experience and today’s challenges. 

To close out the day, a collaborative panel discussion between key players from across the international mining sector came together to exchange ideas on pressing topics withing the community.

Delving into the evolving dynamics of mining in the age of automation, thought leaders discussed the daunting industry transformation in the panel titled Next-gen mining: are we engineering ourselves out of the workforce?

The third and final day of APCOM took off with a powerhouse lineup of keynote presentations. The University of Adelaide professor Peter Dowd set the stage with a deep dive into the ARC Training Centre, revealing how integrated operations are transforming the management of complex resources in his keynote — Integrated operations for complex resources.

McGill University professor Roussos Dimitrakopoulos shared cutting-edge developments — from simultaneous stochastic optimisation to the rise of self-learning mining complexes — in his keynote From simultaneous stochastic optimisation to self-learning mine complexes: Advances and challenges.

Ms Keegan then asked delegates to turn to space in her keynote, Mining the future: Space-inspired, digitally driven, remotely operated, with a visionary look at space, remote operations and how digital innovation is redefining the mining frontier.

Delivering the final keynote of the conference, China University of Mining Technology professor Shirong Ge discussed his unparalleled firsthand experience in digitilasition across the resource sector with a particular focus on AI integration in his keynote — AI assisted mining in China: achievements and future direction

Closing out the action-packed three-day conference, the Tech-driven transformation in mining panelists discussed, in a dynamic conversation on the ethical, economic and educational implications of mining’s technological transformation and what it means for the next generation of industry professionals.

Industry professionals across the mining, technology and workforce development sectors explored the paradox of progress — how evolving technologies are reshaping roles, redefining skills and challenging traditional workforce models.

Delegates had the opportunity to attend various networking events throughout the duration of the conference, including a welcome reception, networking drinks event and a conference dinner.

As well as abundant networking opportunities, delegates attended APCOM’s exclusive workshops that feature industry experts guiding attendees through new tech for the mineral and mining supply chain.

From space exploration and remote access to mine planning optimisation, APCOM showcased the thought leadership and professional expertise that is shaping the future of mining and preparing our industry to move into the next frontier.

With exceptional keynote presentations, insightful panel discussions and outstanding networking events, APCOM’s time in Perth was unforgettable.