Mining and civil infrastructure professionals are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to improve decision-making, but many still struggle to extract full value from growing volumes of complex, multisource data, according to new research by Seequent.
The 7th Geoprofessionals Data Management Report, based on a global survey of more than 1,000 geoprofessionals, reveals that teams continue to face obstacles related to fragmented data systems, unmanaged historical datasets, and time-intensive administrative processes.
Despite widespread recognition that quality data is critical to operational success, organisations often lack the frameworks needed to manage it effectively.
Angela Harvey, Chief Customer Officer at Seequent, said: “According to the report findings, geoprofessionals on average spend over a quarter of their time on data management.
“They are actively seeking to harness the information it contains for competitive advantage, but limited data frameworks mean too much time is spent managing data, versus interpreting results.”
Both civil and mining geoprofessionals identified data quality, integration of diverse sources, and accessibility of historical data as major pain points.
Many reported that their organisations still lack a centralised “single source of truth” for data assets.
However, interest in AI is growing rapidly.
Across all industries, 51 per cent of organisations are now using or considering artificial intelligence — up sharply from just 30 per cent two years ago.
“Data is the most valuable asset of any organisation, and it’s clear from our report that both the civil sector and the mining sector are ready to unlock that value,” said Harvey.
“The surge in AI consideration shows a clear appetite for innovation.
“The opportunity now is to build the data foundations that will allow these technologies to thrive and deliver on their promise of a more efficient and sustainable future.”
In the mining industry, data management remains a top priority.
The survey found that 80 per cent of mining geoprofessionals consider it to be of critical or high importance, with nearly a third of their working time devoted to managing data.
Yet, less than half of mining organisations (only 39 per cent) have a defined data management framework in place.
Dr Janina Elliott, Segment Director for Mining at Seequent, said: “In mining, data isn’t just a byproduct of operations but the core asset that drives every decision, from exploration to reclamation.
“Our report shows that the industry is laser-focused on data management, but it also highlights the next major challenge: unlocking the full value from current and historical data, as the mining industry positions itself for a future where AI and automation will be increasingly important.”
The report found similar patterns in civil infrastructure.
Sixty-nine per cent of civil geoprofessionals rated data management as highly or critically important and spent more than one-fifth of their time on related tasks.
Yet, only 41 per cent have a formal framework in place, with just 30 per cent maintaining a defined data chain of custody.
Pat McLarin, Segment Director for Civil at Seequent, said: “The civil sector is grappling with a data paradox.
“Geoprofessionals are spending a significant amount of their time, a full day a week, on data management, yet they still face challenges that impact project outcomes.
“Our report shows that while the will to be data-driven is there, the foundational frameworks for success are often missing.”
