The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has commended the launch of the federal government’s National AI Plan, but called on the government to take a light approach to AI regulation.
The AI plan lays out the government’s comprehensive roadmap to build an AI-enabled economy that aims to harness the technology for the benefit of all Australians.
The plan is critical to the government’s Future Made in Australia agenda as it complements its efforts to revitalise industry and create high-value jobs.
Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said: “This plan is focused on capturing the economic opportunities of AI, sharing the benefits broadly, and keeping Australians safe as technology evolves.
“AI will help close gaps in essential services, improve education and employment outcomes and create well paid jobs in future industries.”
MCA CEO Tania Constable urged the government to take a cooperative approach to AI regulation.
“Providing Australia’s mining sector with the freedom to test, deploy and refine new technologies will improve safety outcomes, drive efficiency and strengthen global competitiveness.
“The mining sector urges the government to follow a co-operative approach between industry, AI experts and unions as it implements its national plan.”
Constable said the plan’s AU$440 million investment to deliver advanced satellite imaging and geospatial analytics will enhance mineral exploration, improve operational efficiency, and advance environmental compliance.
She noted that mining will benefit from greater investment in digital and physical infrastructure as private 5G and fibre networks allow for faster data flows to local centres for real-time AI analysis and decision making.
“Mining’s AI leadership and proven applications in predictive maintenance, exploration analytics, infrastructure inspection, and automation can accelerate AI adoption in priority sectors such as defence, education, and infrastructure.”.
