The mining sector is undergoing a technological transformation as companies cross the digital frontier to improve productivity, efficiency and safety, and reduce their environmental impact. Mining decades worked using conventional techniques to extract metals and minerals, recently for industries such as steel production, automobile or renewable energy. Today, with global demand soaring and environmental challenges mounting, mining companies of all sizes — from established leaders to emerging operators — are using AI to overhaul outdated practices for a competitive edge in an increasingly tech-enabled industry.

Unlike tech-native startups or giant multinationals that may have pockets deep enough to renovate their operations completely, many miners need to weigh the overhaul of aging infrastructure with embracing the artificial intelligence revolution. Seizing the moment, these companies are bringing AI to bear on predictive maintenance, exploratory drilling for resources, safety monitoring and energy optimization in ways that hold the potential to revolutionize both operational efficiency and environmental stewardship in one of the world’s oldest industries.

The AI Imperative for Mining Companies

The implementation of AI is a key driver for competitiveness and sustainability in mining. Faced with resource limitations and operational complexities, organisations need to invest in AI in a strategic manner to stay relevant. Leading firms are prioritizing:

• Predictive Maintenance and Equipment Optimization: AI to monitor equipment well-being, minimizes downtime.
• Exploration & Resource Targeting: Utilizing AI enabled geological analysis to identify high value ore bodies.
• Safety Monitoring & Risk Mitigation:  AI based real-time hazard identification and worker protection.
• Digital Twins & Automation: Model your operations and automate your processes to make more intelligent decisions.
• Focus on sustainable platform: Reduce environmental damage by using energy more intelligently, better waste management and optimizing water use with AI systems.

Mining AI Adoption Quadrant

Mining AI Adoption Quadrant identifies mining companies by their Scope of AI Deployment and Depth of AI Maturity, assessing how comprehensive the use case adoption is across operations as well as how advanced an organization’s AI systems have become. This grounded assessment provides a glimpse into their evolution in AI-driven transformation from early adoption to fully integrated, mature ecosystems.

This quadrant evaluates mining companies across four key categories:

Market Leaders: Top Mining Companies Driving AI Transformation in 2025

In 2025, the most AI-capable mining companies are raising the bar for every company in the industry. Using artificial intelligence, these maket leaders are optimizing operations as well as safety and sustainability for their global sites. Neuron’s extensive AI deployments, decade-long technology partnerships and decades in field research make them the most sophisticated players within the mining industry.

Mining companies in 2025 are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence in mining to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The process involves assessing needs, selecting the right technologies, and partnering with experts to integrate AI across exploration, operations, and environmental management. For more insights, see McKinsey’s report on Artificial Intelligence in Mining.

 

Tata Steel

Tata Steel is a Market Leader in AI Adoption. Located in India with operations spanning multiple regions globally, the company is specializing in extracting iron ore and coal to support its extensive steel production capabilities. Tata Steel is focusing on securing high-quality mineral resources for industries like construction and automotive.

Key Executives: T V Narendran (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director), Jayanta Banerjee (Chief Information Officer), Hans van den Berg (Chief Executive Officer, Tata Steel Nederland), Rajesh Nair (Chief Executive Officer, Tata Steel UK).

Key AI Initiatives

• Tata Steel is utilizing over 550 AI models for yield optimization, predictive maintenance, and supply chain management, maintaining these systems for 5-6 years.
• The company is employing AI-driven real-time detection systems to monitor safety risks on the shop floor, enhancing worker protection.
• Tata Steel is optimizing production processes with AI through partnerships with NVIDIA and Xomnia, reducing energy consumption across its operations.

Tata Steel’s vast AI deployment across steelmaking reveals how long-term tech integration can reshape efficiency and safety in a traditional industry.

POSCO

POSCO is a Market Leader in AI Adoption. Headquartered in South Korea with a mining presence in Asia and worldwide, the company is specializing in mining iron ore and coal for its large-scale steel production. POSCO is optimizing resource extraction to support industries like automotive and shipbuilding.

Key Executives: Chang In-hwa (CEO) 

Key AI Initiatives

• POSCO is employing AI for simulation, supply chain management, and safety across its operations, maintaining extensive deployment through its AI Technology Center.
• The company is optimizing blast furnace operations with Quantum Neural Networks via a 2024 Terra Quantum partnership, targeting emissions reduction.
• POSCO is enhancing operational efficiency with AI-driven tools like NVIDIA’s Isaac Sim, reducing development time for field applications.

POSCO’s blend of quantum AI and simulations signals a steel industry future where cutting-edge tech drives efficiency and sustainability.

Nornickel (Norilsk Nickel)

Nornickel is a Market Leader in AI Adoption. Based in Russia with operations primarily in the Arctic region, the company is specializing in mining nickel, palladium, and copper for industries like automotive and renewable energy. Nornickel is focusing on extracting these metals to supply global markets.

Key Executives: Vladimir Potanin (President)

Key AI Initiatives

• Nornickel is using AI for safety monitoring and production optimization at sites like Kola MMC, maintaining broad applications over multiple years.
• The company is implementing AI-driven video analytics to monitor PPE usage among staff, enhancing safety compliance across operations.
• Nornickel is optimizing nickel production with AI protocols and big data analysis, improving efficiency at Kola MMC.

Nornickel’s wide AI use in the Arctic shows how technology can tackle extreme environments while boosting safety and output.

Newmont Corporation

Newmont Corporation is a Market Leader in AI Adoption. Headquartered in the United States with operations in North America and Africa, the company is specializing in mining gold and copper from some of the world’s largest deposits. Newmont is targeting areas with significant mineral potential to sustain its production.

Key Executives: Tom Palmer (CEO), Natascha Viljoen (COO) and Luis Canepari (CIO)

Key AI Initiatives

• Newmont is using AI for predictive maintenance and environmental monitoring across sites like Boddington, maintaining extensive deployment over years.
• The company is employing AI algorithms to monitor air and water quality, supporting environmental stewardship across its operations.
• Newmont is optimizing equipment health with AI through a partnership with Dingo, reducing maintenance costs globally.

Newmont’s AI focus on maintenance and environment highlights how large-scale mining can merge operational gains with ecological care.

Fast Movers

Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden)

Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) is a Fast Mover in AI Adoption. Headquartered in Saudi Arabia with operations across the Middle East, the company is specializing in mining gold, phosphate, and industrial minerals. Ma’aden is supporting Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification by tapping into rich mineral reserves.

Key Executives: Bob Wilt (CEO),  Ahmad Al-Alshaikh (Chief Transformation Officer), Sumaya Tarmahomed Khan (Chief Specialist: Sustainability)

Key AI Initiatives

• Ma’aden is implementing AI for workforce productivity and digital mine management, expanding rapidly with Microsoft 365 Copilot saving 2,200 hours monthly.
• The company is exploring AI-powered autonomous mining robots with OffWorld, aiming to enhance safety in underground operations.
• Ma’aden is using AI-driven drill targeting with Fleet Space Technologies, accelerating mineral exploration across Saudi Arabia.

Ma’aden’s quick AI adoption reflects how regional miners can use technology to leapfrog into modern, efficient operations.

South32

South32 is a Fast Mover in AI Adoption. Based in Australia with operations in Australia, South America, and Southern Africa, the company is specializing in extracting bauxite, manganese, and other metals for industrial applications. South32 is emphasizing sustainable practices to ensure long-term viability.

Key Executives: Graham Kerr (CEO & Managing Director), Noel Pillay (Chief Operating Officer, Southern Africa and Colombia), Vanessa Torres (Chief Operating Officer, Australia), Erwin Schaufler (Chief Technical Officer) and Simon Collins (Chief Development Officer).

Key AI Initiatives

• South32 is deploying AI-driven APC systems at Australia Manganese and GEMCO, expanding rapidly to optimize manganese recovery.
• The company is optimizing energy consumption in ferronickel processing with AI at Cerro Matoso, enhancing efficiency across operations.
• South32 is enhancing IT operations with AI through a TCS partnership, improving resilience across its global infrastructure.

South32’s fast AI rollout across diverse sites shows how a multi-metal miner can unify efficiency and sustainability globally.

Zijin Mining

Zijin Mining is a Fast Mover in AI Adoption. Located in China with operations extending worldwide, the company is specializing in extracting gold, copper, and zinc for precious and base metal markets. Zijin Mining is focusing on high-grade deposits to meet industrial demand.

Key Executives: Chen Jinghe (Chairman), Zou Laichang (President).

Key AI Initiatives

• Zijin is implementing AI for financial operations, automating data extraction with intelligent robots across its facilities.
• The company is deploying AI-powered autonomous haulage systems with Huawei at Julong copper mine, enhancing efficiency at high altitudes.
• Zijin is pursuing digital transformation with AI and IoT through subsidiaries like Zijin Zhixin, boosting operational capabilities globally.

Zijin’s rapid AI expansion suggests how technology can propel a global miner’s reach and efficiency in competitive markets.

Sibanye-Stillwater

Sibanye-Stillwater is a Fast Mover in AI Adoption. Located in South Africa with operations in Africa and the Americas, the company is specializing in extracting platinum, palladium, and gold for green technologies. Sibanye-Stillwater is focusing on meeting demand for automotive and renewable energy applications.

Key Executives: Neal Froneman (Chief Executive Officer), Dr. Richard Stewart (CEO Designate and Chief Regional Officer), Robert Van Niekerk (Chief Technical and Innovation Officer) and Melanie Naidoo-Vermaak (Chief Sustainability Officer).

Key AI Initiatives

• Sibanye is applying AI for plant optimization with DataProphet’s OMNI solution since 2019, improving mineral processing efficiency.
• The company is using AI to analyze geological data, enhancing resource estimation across its exploration efforts.
• Sibanye is deploying AI-driven ICT tools like Sofi chatbot, streamlining service management across operations.

Sibanye-Stillwater’s steady AI growth shows how precious metals mining can adapt to green tech needs with smart tech upgrades.

Boliden

Boliden is a Fast Mover in AI Adoption. Based in Sweden with operations across Europe, the company is specializing in extracting zinc, copper, and precious metals for industrial applications. Boliden is focusing on mineral-rich regions and recycling efforts to support a circular economy.

Key Executives: Mikael Staffas (CEO),and Mathias Nilsson (Group CIO).

Key AI Initiatives

• Boliden is using AI for process optimization with deep learning, expanding rapidly to enhance concentration efficiency.
• The company is simulating autonomous mining operations with Robotec.ai, testing scenarios to boost safety and productivity.
• Boliden is tracking e-waste recycling with AI through an Ericsson and IVL partnership, improving material recovery processes.

Boliden’s quick AI push in optimization and recycling points to a European mining model thriving on efficiency and circularity.

Barrick 

Barrick is a Fast Mover in AI Adoption. Headquartered in Canada with operations across North America, Africa, and other regions, the company is specializing in mining gold and copper from extensive reserves. Barrick is focusing on large-scale deposits to maintain its production levels.

Key Executives: Mark Bristow (CEO), Mark Hill (Chief Operating Officer, Latin America and Asia Pacific), Sebastiaan Bock (Chief Operating Officer, Africa and Middle East), Christine Keener (Chief Operating Officer, North America), Rousseau Jooste (Global Head of Engineering, Capital Projects and Technology), Grant Beringer (Group Sustainability Executive).

Key AI Initiatives

• Barrick is using AI for copper exploration at Reko Diq with Fleet Space’s ExoSphere system, accelerating resource identification.
• The company is optimizing predictive maintenance with integrated data platforms at Cortez, enhancing equipment reliability.
• Barrick is deploying AI-driven energy optimization systems, supporting sustainability across its operations.

Barrick’s fast AI adoption across exploration and maintenance hints at how tech can keep a gold leader agile in a shifting market.

Anglo American

Anglo American is a Fast Mover in AI Adoption. Located in the United Kingdom with operations worldwide, the company is specializing in extracting diamonds, copper, platinum, and iron ore for diverse industries. Anglo American is focusing on securing high-quality deposits globally.

Key Executives: Duncan Wanblad (Chief executive)

Key AI Initiatives

• Anglo American is using AI-driven digital twins at Quellaveco mine, predicting risks and optimizing resource use.
• The company is employing AI analytics with Alteryx, automating data processes for better operational insights.
• Anglo American is optimizing water usage with AI and big data, reducing environmental impact across its sites.

Anglo American’s rapid AI integration across diverse resources shows how tech can balance efficiency and environmental goals.

Fortescue Metals Group (FMG)

Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) is a Fast Mover in AI Adoption. Based in Australia with operations primarily in Western Australia, the company is specializing in mining iron ore for steel production worldwide. FMG is focusing on vast deposits in the Pilbara region to meet global demand.

Key Executives: Dino Otranto (CEO) and Shelley Robertson (COO).

Key AI Initiatives

• FMG is using AI to monitor hazards and optimize scheduling at The Hive, managing nearly 200 autonomous trucks in Pilbara.
• The company is employing AI-driven tools like schedule optimization software, enhancing operational efficiency across sites.
• FMG is supporting zero-emission goals with AI through a Liebherr partnership, targeting decarbonization by 2030.

FMG’s swift AI use in autonomy and scheduling underscores how tech can drive an iron ore giant toward a sustainable future.

Niche Specialists

KoBold Metals

KoBold Metals is a Niche Specialist in AI Adoption. Based in the United States with operations in North America and other resource-rich areas globally, the company is specializing in exploring and mining critical minerals like cobalt, lithium, and copper. KoBold is targeting materials vital for clean energy technologies.

Key Executives: Kurt House (CEO), Josh Goldman (Co-Founder and President), Jeff Jurinak (COO), Mfikeyi Makayi (CEO, KoBold Metals Africa), Daniel Enderton (Chief Strategy Officer), Fanuel Banda (Chief Mining Engineer).

Key AI Initiatives

• KoBold is employing AI to process geological data across 5+ sites globally, identifying mineral-rich areas since 2018.
• The company is enhancing exploration accuracy with machine learning through a Stanford partnership, refining deposit modeling.
• KoBold is targeting critical metals with AI-driven analysis, supporting discoveries in regions like Quebec and Nevada.

KoBold’s focused AI use in exploration highlights how specialized tech can pinpoint the metals powering clean energy.

Dundee Precious Metals (DPM)

Dundee Precious Metals (DPM) is a Niche Specialist in AI Adoption. Based in Canada with operations in Europe and Africa, the company is specializing in mining gold and copper with a focus on efficient extraction. DPM is targeting deposits that offer long-term value.

Key Executives: David Rae (CEO), Iliya Garkov (COO).

Key AI Initiatives

• DPM is using AI for safety monitoring with SORA at Tsumeb, analyzing CCTV footage for PPE compliance since 2021.
• The company is optimizing grinding and flotation with Metso Optimizers at Ada Tepe and Chelopech, enhancing efficiency.
• DPM is analyzing geological datasets with AI via Humyn.ai’s Future Explorers Challenge, accelerating mineral discoveries.

DPM’s targeted AI applications show how mid-tier miners can boost safety and efficiency with precise tech.

Freeport-McMoRan

Freeport-McMoRan is a Niche Specialist in AI Adoption. Headquartered in the United States with operations in the Americas and Indonesia, the company is specializing in mining copper, gold, and molybdenum from large deposits. Freeport-McMoRan is targeting high-value resources for industrial applications.

Key Executives: Mark J. Johnson (President and Chief Operating Officer, Freeport-McMoRan Indonesia; Executive Vice President, PT Freeport Indonesia), Joshua F. “Josh” Olmsted (President and Chief Operating Officer, Freeport-McMoRan Americas), William E. Cobb (Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer), Kathleen L. Quirk (President and Chief Executive Officer).

Key AI Initiatives

• Freeport is using AI to optimize milling and crushing processes with McKinsey, improving production efficiency.
• The company is employing AI-driven analytics on real-time equipment data, identifying operational inefficiencies.
• Freeport is enhancing data collection with AI via Gecko Robotics, optimizing operations across its facilities.

Freeport’s refined AI focus on analytics suggests how a copper leader can stay sharp amid declining ore grades.

BHP

BHP is a Niche Specialist in AI Adoption. Located in Australia with a global footprint, the company is specializing in mining iron ore, copper, and coal for industrial and energy sectors. BHP is focusing on extracting materials from some of the world’s richest deposits.

Key Executives: Mike Henry (CEO), Edgar Basto (COO), Johan van Jaarsveld (Chief Technical Officer).

Key AI Initiatives

• BHP is using AI to optimize copper recovery at Escondida with Microsoft, improving concentrator performance.
• The company is employing digital twins with Generative AI, enhancing decision-making across its value chain.
• BHP is integrating AI for operational efficiency through an AVEVA partnership, targeting performance gains.

BHP’s precise AI use in copper and digital twins shows how targeted tech can strengthen a giant’s key segments.

Rio Tinto

 

Rio Tinto is a Niche Specialist in AI Adoption. Headquartered in the United Kingdom and Australia with operations worldwide, the company is specializing in mining aluminum (via bauxite), copper, and iron ore for industrial uses. Rio Tinto is targeting high-quality deposits across diverse regions.

Key Executives: Jakob Stausholm (CEO), Mark Davies (Chief Technical Officer), Sinead Kaufman (Chief Executive, Minerals), Kellie Parker (Chief Executive, Australia), Jérôme Pécresse (Chief Executive, Aluminium), Simon Trott (Chief Executive, Iron Ore), Katie Jackson (Chief Executive, Copper).

Key AI Initiatives

• Rio Tinto is using AI for predictive maintenance and mine planning, optimizing operations in Pilbara.
• The company is employing AI-driven analytics with Palantir’s digital twin, enhancing efficiency across sites.
• Rio Tinto is monitoring threatened species with AI tools, supporting environmental goals in targeted areas.

Rio Tinto’s focused AI in operations and ecology reveals how tech can refine mining under global scrutiny.

Codelco

Codelco is a Niche Specialist in AI Adoption. Based in Chile with operations primarily in South America, the company is specializing in mining copper as the world’s largest producer. Codelco is focusing on extracting copper for industries like electronics and construction.

Key Executives: Rubén Alvarado (CEO)

Key AI Initiatives

• Codelco is using AI for copper sorting with a 95% effectiveness rate via EPCM and COBRA, improving quality at sites like Chuquicamata.
• The company is monitoring equipment health with AI through Uptake, reducing downtime at Ministro Hales.
• Codelco is optimizing extraction with machine learning, adding 8,000 metric tons of copper annually at Chuquicamata.

Codelco’s AI precision in copper production shows how a global leader can use tech to sustain output and efficiency.

Emerging Players

Northern Star Resources

Northern Star Resources is an Emerging Player in AI Adoption. Located in Australia with operations in Australia and North America, the company is specializing in the exploration and extraction of gold. Northern Star is focusing on identifying high-quality gold reserves for the global market.

Key Executives: Stuart Tonkin (CEO & Managing Director), Simon Jessop (COO).

Key AI Initiatives

• Northern Star is evaluating autonomous drones with Exyn for cavity mapping at Pogo Mine, enhancing survey efficiency.
• The company is exploring LIBS technology with CSIRO to map minerals, improving resource evaluation accuracy.
• Northern Star is adopting digital autonomous tech for underground loaders at Ramone, boosting productivity with limited AI specificity.

Northern Star’s early tech steps suggest how modest automation and AI exploration can sharpen a gold miner’s focus.

Solidcore Resources

Solidcore Resources is an Emerging Player in AI Adoption. Based in Russia with operations in Russia and Kazakhstan, the company is specializing in extracting gold and silver from high-quality deposits. Polymetal is prioritizing sustainable practices for precious metals markets.

Key Executives: Vitaly Nesis (CEO), Kanat Dosmukametov (Chief COO, Solidcore Resources; CEO, Solidcore Eurasia).

Key AI Initiatives

• Solidcore is using AI algorithms to analyze geological data, improving resource estimation in exploration.
• The company is employing AI-based systems for real-time equipment monitoring, reducing downtime across operations.
• Solidcore is optimizing processes with AI tools, enhancing efficiency with developing applications.

Solidcore’s initial AI efforts hint at how tech can quietly enhance exploration and efficiency in precious metals.

Kinross Gold Corporation

Kinross Gold Corporation is an Emerging Player in AI Adoption. Headquartered in Canada with operations in the Americas, West Africa, and Russia, the company is specializing in mining gold from large-scale deposits. Kinross is targeting regions with substantial gold reserves.

Key Executives: J. Paul Rollinson (CEO), Claude J.S. Schimper (COO), Stephen Kerrigan (Senior VP, Information Technology & Artificial Intelligence).

Key AI Initiatives

• Kinross is using AI-driven geo-modeling with Micromine’s Grade Copilot, enhancing exploration decisions.
• The company is applying AI for predictive maintenance, optimizing equipment performance across operations.
• Kinross is developing automated risk alert systems with AI, improving safety in open-pit mines.

Kinross’s gradual AI adoption shows how a global gold player can build operational strength with targeted tech.

Sumitomo Metal Mining 

Sumitomo Metal Mining is an Emerging Player in AI Adoption. Headquartered in Japan with operations across Asia and beyond, the company is specializing in mining copper, gold, and nickel for industrial and technological needs. Sumitomo is securing a steady supply for domestic and international markets.

Key Executives: Key Executives: Nobuhiro Matsumoto (President and Representative Director).

Key AI Initiatives

• Sumitomo is collaborating on AI to enhance R&D databases, speeding up research for mining technologies.
• The company is recycling nickel with AI-supported processes via Panasonic Energy, supporting a circular economy.
• Sumitomo is optimizing battery material production with AI through a Nano One partnership, improving efficiency.

Sumitomo’s early AI focus on recycling and R&D suggests how tech can pivot Japan’s mining toward sustainability.

Gold Fields

Gold Fields is an Emerging Player in AI Adoption. Located in South Africa with operations in Africa, Australia, and the Americas, the company is specializing in extracting gold from promising deposits. Gold Fields is focusing on sustainable practices for jewelry and industrial uses.

Key Executives: Mike Fraser (CEO), Francois Swanepoel (Group Chief Technical Officer), Martin Preece (COO).

Key AI Initiatives

• Gold Fields is using AI analytics via AWS migration, unlocking operational insights across its systems.
• The company is enhancing safety and efficiency at Tarkwa with Hexagon’s AI-driven digital solutions.
• Gold Fields is modernizing infrastructure with AI capabilities, supporting performance at targeted sites.

Gold Fields’ initial AI efforts imply that incremental tech can pave a growth path in a multi-region gold operation.

Champion Iron

Champion Iron is an Emerging Player in AI Adoption. Based in Canada with operations at Bloom Lake Mine in Quebec, the company is specializing in mining iron ore for steel production. Champion is focusing on optimizing its high-grade deposits for industrial needs.

Key Executives: David Cataford (CEO), Alexandre Belleau (Chief Operating Officer).

Key AI Initiatives

• Champion is using AI for advanced drilling optimization at Bloom Lake Mine, improving productivity with data-driven techniques.
• The company is implementing autonomous drilling systems through a partnership with Caterpillar since 2021, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Champion is exploring AI to support its Drill-to-Mill strategy, refining ore processing at its Quebec site.

Champion’s early AI efforts at Bloom Lake suggest that targeted tech can elevate a niche iron ore player’s efficiency in a focused operation.

Top 24 Global Mining Companies Using AI in 2025

Category	Company	Specialization	Key AI Initiatives (2025)
Market Leaders	Tata Steel (India)	Iron ore & coal → steel	550+ AI models for yield & maintenance; real-time shop-floor safety; NVIDIA & Xomnia partnerships for energy efficiency
	POSCO (South Korea)	Iron ore & coal → steel	AI simulations & supply chain optimization; Quantum Neural Networks (Terra Quantum); NVIDIA Isaac Sim
	Nornickel (Russia)	Nickel, palladium, copper	AI safety monitoring at Kola MMC; PPE video analytics; big data for nickel output optimization
	Newmont Corp. (USA)	Gold & copper	Predictive maintenance with Dingo; AI for air & water quality monitoring; global environmental stewardship
Fast Movers	Ma’aden (Saudi Arabia)	Gold, phosphate, industrial minerals	Microsoft 365 Copilot for workforce productivity; AI drill targeting with Fleet Space; autonomous robots with OffWorld
	South32 (Australia)	Bauxite, manganese, base metals	AI-driven APC systems for manganese; AI for energy optimization (Cerro Matoso); IT ops with TCS
	Zijin Mining (China)	Gold, copper, zinc	AI for finance automation; AI-powered haulage with Huawei; IoT/AI integration (Zijin Zhixin)
	Sibanye-Stillwater (South Africa)	Platinum, palladium, gold	AI plant optimization (DataProphet OMNI); geological data analysis; Sofi AI chatbot for IT ops
	Boliden (Sweden)	Zinc, copper, recycling	AI for process optimization; autonomous mining simulations; AI in e-waste recycling with Ericsson
	Barrick (Canada)	Gold & copper	AI exploration with Fleet Space; predictive maintenance at Cortez; energy optimization
	Anglo American (UK)	Diamonds, copper, platinum, iron ore	AI-driven digital twins at Quellaveco; AI analytics with Alteryx; water-use optimization
	Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) (Australia)	Iron ore	AI scheduling & hazard monitoring at The Hive; 200 autonomous trucks; AI partnerships for zero emissions
Niche Specialists	KoBold Metals (USA)	Cobalt, lithium, copper (critical minerals)	AI geological data analysis; ML exploration with Stanford; clean energy mineral targeting
	Dundee Precious Metals (DPM) (Canada)	Gold & copper	AI PPE monitoring with SORA; grinding & flotation optimization (Metso); AI exploration via Humyn.ai
	Freeport-McMoRan (USA)	Copper, gold, molybdenum	AI milling & crushing with McKinsey; real-time analytics; AI-driven robotics for operations
	BHP (Australia)	Iron ore, copper, coal	AI to optimize copper at Escondida (Microsoft); Generative AI digital twins; AVEVA efficiency partnership
	Rio Tinto (UK/Australia)	Aluminium, copper, iron ore	AI predictive maintenance & mine planning; Palantir digital twin analytics; AI for biodiversity monitoring
	Codelco (Chile)	Copper	AI copper sorting (95% effectiveness); equipment health monitoring (Uptake); ML to add +8,000 tons annually
Emerging Players	Northern Star Resources (Australia)	Gold	AI drones (Exyn) for cavity mapping; LIBS mineral mapping with CSIRO; autonomous loaders
	Solidcore Resources (Russia/Kazakhstan)	Gold & silver	AI for geological data analysis; real-time equipment monitoring; AI process optimization
	Kinross Gold (Canada)	Gold	AI geo-modeling with Micromine; predictive maintenance; AI risk alert systems
	Sumitomo Metal Mining (Japan)	Copper, gold, nickel	AI-enhanced R&D databases; nickel recycling with AI; Nano One AI battery material optimization
	Gold Fields (South Africa)	Gold	AI analytics via AWS; AI-driven safety at Tarkwa (Hexagon); digital infrastructure modernization
	Champion Iron (Canada)	Iron ore	AI drilling optimization; Caterpillar autonomous drilling; Drill-to-Mill AI support

Categorization Methodology: How Mining Companies Were Ranked in 2025

The approach we use to classify mining companies is organized along with two dimensions of AI deployment: the “Scope of AI Deployment” (ranging from site specific uses to large-scale enterprise applications) and the “Depth of AI Maturity” (from experimentation to proven systems). This two-pronged method offers a view of the extent to which AI has been integrated, as well as the degree of technical integration in place, and reflects how far they have come in integrating AI for operational excellence.

The categorization involved extensive review of publicly available information such as corporate websites, annual reports, sustainability reports, press releases and formal partnership news. Each firm was assessed in different categories under each dimension, including AI deployment for exploration, production optimisation, predicting maintenance issues and monitoring safety breaches – as well as the length and outcome of their AI deployments. Brewers were rated on a weighted scale which favoured recentness, the size of project(/s), and an emphases on strategic importance to tangible outcomes instead of talk/plans.

The systematic assessment led to the following four categories: Market Leaders (extensive use of AI with sophisticated, well-developed systems), Fast Movers (rapid adoption and advancement in using AI), Niche Specialists (advanced or specialized application of two or more types of AI technology) and Emerging Players (using algorithms or other tools at a basic level with possible future growth). The placement of each vendor is based on its AI ambitions, how specifically those intentions are manifesting in different industry verticals as it develops its own knowledge and capabilities.

Note: This data-driven analyses is only based on publicly available information as of April 2025 that can be find(website, annual and sustainability reports, press release or partnership announcement). Although every attempt is made to verify the accuracy of these positions, in this ever-evolving AI story in mining a position may change quickly. For any clarification or details reach out to: [email protected].

Key Insights from AI Adoption in the Mining Industry (2025)

• Competitively AI is being integrated strategically
  From underground to pit, mining operations are adopting AI for productivity and safety gains and sustainability advancements. Key players, such as Tata Steel with 550+ AI models and niche specialists such as Codelco with closely focused copper sorting applications are doing just that, showing that the era of AI within traditional mining operations is here; mines’ transformation into tech-based enterprises providing visibility far beyond previous organisational horizons.

• AI Applications That Are Targeted Delivering an ROI with Little to No Digital Transformation
  Focused AI deployments Into high Value processes are driving substantial gains for organizations. The fractionated examples from Codelco’s copper sorting (code to 95% effective), BHP’s digital twins (2.5x effective) or DPMs safety systems all provide very direct realisable returns as well as avoidance of implementation complexity proving AI benefits before adoption at scale: “We didn’t really know AI was real until we did that.”

• AI Onboarding Being Done Through Safety Monitoring Systems
  Safety use cases offer low-stakes, high-impact entry points into AI. Nornickel’s ppe compliance monitoring, Tata Steel shop floor systems and DPM’s Sora technologies help protect workers while helping to develop the AI muscle of an organization before engaging with criticla production processes.

• Environmental Applications: Sustainability & Operational Sweet Spot Today, one of the hottest sectors in terms of both technology and markets has to be environmental applications.

• AI environmental Artificial intelligence also handles regulations and efficiency in the environment. “Newmont’s monitoring water quality, Anglo American using water better and Rio Tinto tracking species are underpinning sustainability goals as they optimise resource use – this joins-up ESG pledges with operational excellence.

• Early Adopters Are Targeting Bottlenecks for Big Gains
  “Fast Movers” prioritize known operating limitations, first. South32’s APC systems, Fortescue optimization, and Sibanye plant enhancement tackle inefficiencies to generate fast return and drive momentum for wider AI projects in established areas of business priority.

• Strategic Collaborations in Technology Are Driving AI Performance Gains

  FocusGruop partnerships enable AI development without high level of in-house expertise. Works between POSCO and Terra Quantum, Barrick Gold and Fleet Space, and Tata Steel with NVIDIA are examples of how external experts or specialists help compress the time for adoption by bringing disruptive solutions to mining problems.

   

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