Title: Foundations of AI: A Framework for AI in Mining
Author/Institution: Global Mining Guidelines Group (GMG) – AI in Mining Working Group Publication Year: 2019
This 2019 white paper Foundations of AI: A Framework for AI in Mining, developed by GMG’s AI in Mining Working Group, presents a clear and unified approach for understanding and applying AI in the mining sector. Developed collaboratively among industry leaders, including mining companies, technology providers, and academic researchers, the framework defines what AI means in operational contexts and offers a maturity model that guides companies through five stages of AI integration, from experimental use to full automation. The report explores
suitable use cases, implementation steps, and the organizational readiness required to transition toward a digital, sustainable mine.
A key contribution lies in its articulation of how to move from theory to practice. The maturity model outlines a progressive trajectory—from Level 1 (Basic experimentation) to Level 5 (Automated AI core) and underscores that building AI capabilities requires not just technological investment but also cultural change, workforce skills, cybersecurity resilience, and leadership alignment. This framework is not a universal solution, but a pathway tailored for mining firms seeking to plan strategic digital transformation and assess their AI readiness in a structured manner.
This analysis enriches the narrative for LTO, by showing that AI’s legitimacy in the industry depends not only on its technical value, but on the inclusivity of implementation. Projects grounded in planning, workforce development, and transparent governance will be more trusted by regulators, communities, and workers. As mining companies across regions embrace digitalizing exploration and operations, the GMG framework offers a roadmap for ensuring these transitions bolster—not erode—the social license to operate.