Australia’s mining sector is rapidly embracing digitalisation, with collaborations between universities and industry playing a pivotal role in driving innovation and maintaining the nation’s competitive edge in the global critical minerals race.
From AI to 3D modelling, mining companies are exploring a wide range of digital innovations to optimise operations.
Recognising the limitations of relying solely on in-house research and development (R&D), many are turning to university-led research for access to expertise, specialised facilities, and market opportunities.
Professor Mohsen Yahyaei from the University of Queensland noted: “Australia is at the forefront of mining digitalisation, setting global benchmarks in automation, AI, and data-driven decision-making.”
Australian mining giants have already pioneered digitally connected operations. Rio Tinto, for example, has been optimising its digitally automated rail network, AutoHaul, since 2019.
This network transports iron ore from its mines in Western Australia’s Pilbara region and stands as the world’s first and largest heavy-haul, long-distance autonomous train service.
Furthermore, Australia leads the world in the adoption of autonomous trucks in the mining sector, with 927 trucks as of July 2024.
The collaboration between universities and industry addresses the challenges faced by smaller operators, including investment capacity, infrastructure, and trained staff. By working together, companies can overcome imbalances and propel industry-wide digital transformation.
“Academic institutions bring advanced research, modelling techniques, and fresh perspectives,” said Yahyaei.
“In turn, the mining industry provides real-world challenges, operational data, and scalability potential.”
Australia has established an intricate R&D network of 65 programs with Australian universities to develop digital tools.
A key initiative is the Trailblazer Universities Programme, which allocates $370.3 million towards new research capabilities, commercialisation outcomes, and partnerships.
The University of Queensland’s Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) and Sustainable Mining Institute are central to these efforts.
Through the Future Autonomous Systems and Technologies (FAST) program, the JKMRC has developed solutions like the Mill Filling Inference Tool, enabling miners to optimise mill capacity while preventing overloads and shutdowns.
Curtin University is also a Trailblazer member with major mining partnerships, including the BHP Curtin Alliance.
These collaborations have produced data science tools for site maintenance, battery minerals technology, and the RoXplorer coiled tubing drill rig.
Despite advancements in digital solutions, challenges remain in commercialisation and adoption.
To address this, universities like Curtin have established companies to service digitalisation in the mining sector, such as Scanalyse, which offers laser scanning and mapping technology for site equipment monitoring.
Upskilling the workforce is another critical challenge.
Universities are playing a vital role in training engineers, operators, and the next generation of industry workers in digital technologies.
Queensland University’s FAST program and Curtin University’s course on digital technology applications are notable examples.
As Australia’s mining industry continues to embrace digitalisation, the collaboration between universities and industry will be crucial. Increased openness to innovation and collaboration, particularly in sensing technology and real-time analysis, will drive future digital progress.
“Many challenges in mining are too complex for a single company to solve alone,” confirmed Yahyaei.
“As an independent and impartial group, universities enable cross-industry knowledge sharing and collaboration, ensuring compatibility between different mining technologies so solutions developed in one company or mine site can benefit the broader sector.”
