Mining and civil engineers are being urged to prepare for an era of accelerated technological change, as a new report highlights the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping how engineering and infrastructure projects are designed, managed and delivered.
A major study from the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) and Autodesk, titled “AI and the New Era of Engineering Innovation”, finds that 68 per cent of UK business leaders are increasing investment in technology, outpacing global averages.
The report claims AI-driven automation can boost productivity by up to 40 per cent and reduce project overruns by as much as 25 per cent, providing a compelling case for innovation across all engineering fields — including the resource and mining sectors that underpin Britain’s energy transition.
The report outlines a clear warning: without coordinated investment in workforce skills and ethical technology governance, the UK risks falling behind in the race to harness AI’s potential.
Mining engineers, who traditionally handle complex data in exploration, geotechnical analysis, and operations management, are among those expected to benefit most from AI-enabled optimisation and predictive design tools.
As AI redefines problem-solving and technical workflows, the demand for AI literacy, ethics oversight, and data interpretation is growing sharply across industries.
Rather than displacing human expertise, ACE says AI is strengthening it by automating repetitive tasks and enhancing real-time design and modelling capabilities.
ACE Chief Executive Kate Jennings said: “AI will not replace engineers; it will empower them to reimagine what is possible.
“We are at an historic inflection point for the UK’s consultancy and engineering sector.
“From energy resilience to national infrastructure, our work underpins prosperity and progress — and AI is now reshaping how we deliver it.”
Case studies in the report show how firms such as Mott MacDonald, Stantec, and AECOM are already deploying AI in everyday operations, accelerating design and analysis processes while improving quality control in data-heavy environments.
For mining engineers, similar systems are now being used globally to predict ore grades, improve safety through AI-powered monitoring systems, and reduce environmental impacts through optimised resource planning.
The report makes a series of policy recommendations, urging UK government agencies and industry partners to develop a ‘National AI in Engineering Strategy’, establish ethical frameworks for AI deployment, and develop training pathways and apprenticeships targeting digital and data skills.
Autodesk’s EMEA construction director Paul Marland noted: “AI is revolutionising engineering, driving both creativity and efficiency.
“It enables engineers to envision solutions previously unimaginable.
“By automating routine tasks, AI allows engineers to focus on strategic insights and innovation.”
Marland said Autodesk is trusted by designers, engineers, and creators worldwide to help bring their ideas to life, and the company remains dedicated to promoting ethical AI practices that enhance human expertise and support sustainable innovation.
He added that close collaboration between industry and government will be essential to shaping effective frameworks and policies, enabling the UK to maintain its leadership in engineering and deliver the infrastructure needed for long-term growth.
The ACE-Autodesk report concludes that the UK’s well-established industrial base, world-class universities, and skilled engineering workforce create a strong foundation for an AI-driven future.
However, it warns that sustained investment in technology and coordinated workforce planning will be critical to maintain competitiveness in global infrastructure and resource industries.
