Mining Bulletin
This month, the Research Bulletin covers:
- Innovations in mining technology, including the rise of electrification to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency.
- The evolution of workforce skills, focusing on upskilling, reskilling, and strategies to effectively manage the transition across the industry.
- Industry challenges such as securing social licence to operate, and exploring pathways for a sustainable future.
The Mining industry leads the adoption of tech-driven solutions, like autonomous and remote operations, drones, and digital twins. Similarly, demand for AI-skilled workers is rapidly growing, with such roles increasing 135% since 2019.1 These technological solutions boost efficiency and precision in mining exploration, safety, and operations.
As technology evolves, it creates skills gaps relating to the diagnosis, repair, maintenance, and service of these new technologies. A lag between the adoption of technology and the delivery of said skills, while inevitable, creates national efficiency, competitiveness, and productivity problems.
The industry has to:
-
slow down the adoption of breakthrough technology, thus delaying productivity gains
-
import skills required for the deployment and upkeep of new technologies, often at high cost (i.e., hiring overseas corporations), where possible
-
face delays as they wait for the delivery of the above skills imports, thus reducing or delaying production. In the face of global skills shortages, industries located in countries with the relevant skills supply will get precedence for said services. Preference caused either by protectionist national policy, which is seeing a surge in some parts of the world, or due to geographic distance, which Australia suffers from.
This defers output, creates a reliance on overseas corporations, and inhibits national efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness for the Australian economy.
Mining Innovation
In FY 2023-24, Australian Mining businesses invested $1.2 billion (+260%) in mining research and development.2 This investment drives innovation and reinforces the industry's position as a global leader in mining technology. Between 2011 and 2015, Australia accounted for 5% of global mining patent registrations across all elements, ranking third after Chile (12%) and South Africa (10%).3 Australia holds a larger share of mining-related patents in all mining patent fields (such as processing, blasting, refining, and support services), except exploration.4
Current Innovations – Electrification
Electrification in mining plays a crucial role in improving outcomes for safety, emissions, energy efficiency, and long-term costs. Not only by reducing exhaust and emissions, but also by reducing the need for costly ventilation systems.5 Real-life implementations of electrification in the mining industry include the development of advanced battery technologies,6 hydrogen and fuel cell systems, charging and energy storage infrastructure, electrified rail networks, and innovations from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The frontier for electrification is going to involve innovating solutions to provide fast charging applications for heavy electric equipment in harsh environments, minimising downtime through enhanced communication and automation, managing power quality within complex electrical systems, and ensuring a reliable off-grid power supply for remote mining sites.7 These changes will require updates to existing training pathways to stay up-to-date with new technology.
Evolution of skills
As industries evolve and new technologies emerge, skill requirements and occupations evolve in tandem, rather than facing complete upheaval. For example, how the uptake of heavy Electric Vehicles (EVs) resulted in the role of the Heavy Diesel Fitter evolving to become that of the heavy EV Technician. The new role incorporates electrical skills beyond those required for an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), such as electrical isolation and depowering, or diagnostic and machine control guidance skills. However, the implementation of some of these changes can have a long tail; the national training ecosystem often lags these changes.8 Delays in the delivery of relevant qualifications and skills slow down the adoption of technological advancements, thus delaying gains from productivity and efficiency.
Cascading the transition
Industry employers might deploy intermediary solutions while training solutions are implemented, for example, by managing equipment capacity to support workforce adaptation and facilitate operational integration. In December 2023, Fortescue deployed Australia’s first newly built electric excavator at its Cloudbreak mine site. To ensure a smooth transition, the excavator initially operated at reduced capacity for three months. This phased approach allowed site teams to become familiar with the new equipment, maintenance requirements, and safety protocols. As confidence and expertise grew, the excavator was brought up to full speed, with performance steadily improving. Fortescue noted that the electric excavator has even outperformed its diesel counterpart at times, underscoring the success of the workforce’s adaptation.9
Anglo American has launched a cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) lab in partnership with the Resources Centre of Excellence to enhance safety training and workforce readiness in the mining industry. Located in Mackay, the lab provides immersive, hands-on learning experiences through over 20 training modules, covering key safety protocols and advanced mining techniques. This initiative helps workers—especially those new to the industry—develop practical skills in a risk-free environment, preparing them for real-world challenges. By integrating VR into training, Anglo American is empowering its workforce to adapt to new technologies and supporting safer, smarter mining operations.10
Growing diagnostic needs in the industry
The current mining workforce faces significant challenges due to acute skill shortfalls among new entrants. For most occupations, the available talent pool falls short by 53% for roles requiring programming skills and by 37% for those needing technology design skills (Figure 1). This reflects the growing nature of diagnostic work in the industry. As equipment has more electrical components, technicians are required to undertake significantly more diagnostic work, particularly relevant to autonomous and remote operations.
Figure 1: Top 10 skill gaps for new mining sector entrants
Source: CISCO, “Future of Australian Jobs Report”, 2019.
Current workers may also find their abilities outdated when technology changes the nature of occupations. Mining employers are exploring creative solutions to manage and adapt skills towards technological advancements. For instance, incorporating the use of game-based tools like Visible Geology which enables workers to explore geological concepts through 3D modelling; cloud-based educational models to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills; and partnerships with schools to align delivery training for future skills such as BHP’s Future of Work Program which aims to upskill employees in a digital work environment.11,12
A significant decline in demand is projected for several of the mining sector’s largest occupations, with the number of truck drivers and welders/flame cutters expected to fall by more than 10% by 2028. Jobs like mining engineers, metallurgists, geologists, and geophysicists are less susceptible to automation (Figure 2).13 Creating new opportunities for role transitions rather than simply replacing jobs (Table 1).
Figure 2: Net demand change for top 10 mining jobs, 2018-2028
Source: CISCO, “Future of Australian Jobs Report”, 2019.
Table 1: Role Shifts and Required Skills
Source: Day Job Recruitment, “AI in Australian Mining: Jobs Lost or Jobs Shifted?”, 24 July 2025.
This shift is also accompanied by the emergence of new roles focused on AI-driven mining, such as:
- AI Mining Systems Analysts optimise operations using performance data and machine learning.
- Digital Twin Specialists build virtual models to test changes before real-world implementation, blending engineering with advanced simulation tools.
- Autonomous Fleet Coordinators manage self-driving vehicles, requiring knowledge of both fleet logistics and autonomous tech.14
There are opportunities to upskill existing workers in these newer skills and roles.
The question of social licence
Looking ahead, mining organisations that are most likely to succeed will see technology as an enabler of transformational change, not just a means to improve operational efficiency. Job displacement and mass redundancies, however, create questions around a mining employer's social licence to operate in regions. A recent survey of 150 global mining companies found that 44% view maintaining a social license to operate as their top business risk.15,16 The introduction of Industry 5.0 marks a shift toward more human-centric, sustainable, and resilient mining practices. It places greater emphasis on social licence as companies are expected to collaborate more closely with communities and integrate societal values into their operations.17
To succeed in transitioning to low-emissions, tech-driven operations, barriers around incompatible equipment standards, safety concerns, and a risk-averse culture need to be addressed. Productivity gains can be unlocked by embracing rapid innovation, automation, AI, and data-driven decision-making. Leveraging enablers like common-use infrastructure and developing a future-ready workforce through stronger industry-worker collaboration will be essential, not only to drive efficiency but also to create a positive impact in communities and regions associated with Mining. These efforts will help position the sector as a global leader in sustainability and technological advancement.18
Way forward
People, skills, and partnerships
- A diverse workforce can be less prone to critical shortages. Increasing female and First Nations participation can help alleviate and manage future skills shortages.
- Support upskilling in new technologies to future-proof the workforce.
- Build a system of lifelong learning and align to future skills needs.
- Leverage tripartite partnerships under the Jobs and Skills Council (JSC) ecosystem, to co-design qualifications and micro credentials that reflect real-time operational needs.
Technology
- Promote interoperability for safety standards and electrification to address current barriers around skills shortages.
- Deploy online labs, VR simulations, and AI learning and teaching tools to enable flexible delivery of learning and training (similar to Anglo American’s VR lab).
For industry
- Embed social licence considerations in current decision-making. Managing worker displacement creates positive perceptions of an industry, while mining employers have managed such instances well in the past, they must continue to do so in order to recruit and retain skilled younger workers from various cohorts.
- Consider phased technology implementation models (like Fortescue's staged excavator rollout) to manage training and risk.
For government
- Incentivise research and development projects in mining electrification, AI, and automation.
- Support greater regional training.
- Expand VET-Higher Education collaboration for pathways into data analytics, mechatronics, and AI systems, or to enable the retention and upskilling of experienced workers through pathways like the vocational degree.
Appendix
Appendix A: Factors that drive mining electrification
Source: The University of Adelaide, “Mine Electrification”, July 2020.
Appendix B: Real-World Examples of Transport Electrification and Infrastructure19
Appendix D: Automation Risk by Occupation
Occupations with scores from 0 to 0.3 were classified as ‘Enhanced’, meaning technology is likely to support and improve these roles with only minor changes needed. Scores between 0.3 and 0.84 were labelled ‘Redesigned’, where parts of the work may be automated, but new skills will be required, and roles will evolve. Occupations scoring between 0.85 and 1 were considered ‘Automated’, as most tasks in these roles are likely to be replaced by technology, leading to a significant reduction in their presence within the industry.21
Source: Minerals Council of Australia, “The Future of Work: the Changing Skills Landscape for Miners”, 2022. Note: Probabilities range from 0 to 1, with higher values indicating a greater likelihood of computerisation and automation, based on the methodology developed by Frey and Osborne.
1 PWC Australia, “How Australia’s miners can catalyse huge value creation in the coming decade”, 23 July 2025.
2 ABS, “Research and Experimental Development - Businesses, Australia”, 22 August 2025.
3 WIPO, “Economic Research Working Paper No. 56”, May 2019.
4 Cambridge University Press, “Global Challenges for Innovation in Mining Industries”, 2022.
7 The University of Adelaide, “Mine Electrification”, July 2020.
8 AUSMASA’s mobile plant electrification project, Mobile Plant Technology - Training Product Development
9 Mining Technology, “Australian miners power ahead with equipment electrification”, 2024.
10 AngloAmerican, “Mining’s digital evolution: Delivering technology for safety and sustainability”, 11 February 2025.
11 Discovery Alert, “Technology and Innovation Transforming the Mining Industry”, 15 May 2025.
12 BHP, “BHP partners with Australian Government on Future of Work Program”, 2021.
14 Day Job Recruitment, “AI in Australian Mining: Jobs Lost or Jobs Shifted?”, 24 July 2025.
15 CSIRO, “How social licence is driving innovation in the mining industry - CSIRO”, 25 February 2021.
16 Deloitte, “AI and ethics: A question of social license?”, 7 August 2020.
17 Mining Technology, “Exploring the evolution from Mining 4.0 to Mining 5.0”, 16 April 2025.
18 Mineral Council of Australia, “Mining Emissions Reduction: Major Technologies”, 2025.
19 Electrek, “This 240t electric mining haul truck can charge in 30 minutes”, January 2023; ABC News, “Electric and hydrogen truck trials roll out as mining industry pushes to lower emissions”, 2024; Create, “Six ways the mining sector is moving towards electrification”, 2024; Rio Tinto, “Rio Tinto plans further investment in renewable energy in the Pilbara”, 2022; The Driven, “Mining giant BHP orders electric trains for WA iron ore rail network”, 2022.
20 Future Mining, “From diesel to decarbonisation: the AI-driven road map for smarter, cleaner mining haulage”, 15 August 2025; Mineral Council of Australia, “Case Studies, AI in the mining industry”, 2025; South32, “Innovations at our Cannington underground operation”, 9 November 2018; Mining Technology, “From smart bands to exoskeletons: mining wearables prioritise a culture of workforce safety”, 18 May 2023.
21 Minerals Council of Australia, “The Future of Work: the Changing Skills Landscape for Miners”, 2022.