AI in Mining explores the role AI and automation have played in the development of the mining industry. This year’s theme focuses on the technology development timeline, reflecting on the past 10–15 years of advancements in digitalization and automation. Through presentations of research and innovation projects – many funded by the strategic innovation programs – we highlight key milestones and lessons learned from this progress.
The event brings together industry leaders and technology experts from the mining and metals sector, researchers and innovators in AI, digitalization, and automation, international and national industry collaboration stakeholders, as well as startups and SMEs specializing in mining technology. One of the speakers is Emelie Fågelstedt, digital strategist and communications consultant at Fågelstedt Kommunikation AB.
Photo: Emelie Fågelstedt
Emelie, you will round off our day at AI in Mining with a presentation on AI beyond the mine. What will you take us into – and why do you think it’s important?
All industries can learn from each other, especially in a time of rapid technological development. The mining industry is not separate from the outside world. I want to put the developments happening now in a broader context and talk about how AI is changing the way we work, collaborate and build the organizations and societies of the future. It is crucial that we develop AI with a human-centered perspective, where technology empowers people rather than replaces them. By understanding each individual’s capabilities and challenges, we can gain important perspectives on how AI can make us both perform and feel better. I also believe that smart, value-driven, AI applications can open up for more people, perhaps from a young age, to see the industry as an attractive future industry.
You have been following the impact of digitalization on work and society for many years. How do you see AI changing our work roles right now – and what should we pay particular attention to?
Digitalization has already changed the way we work; from remote work and globalization to a greater pursuit of work-life balance. With AI, we can free ourselves from manual and time-consuming tasks and focus more on what creates value. But there are still big differences in how and if people actually use AI in their everyday work. Right now, some people are getting a head start in the labor market, while others feel insecure and afraid of the development. A major challenge is to broaden AI knowledge across society and include more people in the conversation about how technology affects our working lives. AI can give us shorter working days and more meaningful work, as well as more profitable companies. At the same time, there is a risk of increased unemployment and social exclusion, as well as bankruptcies among companies that do not keep up. Therefore, it is important that we are involved in the dialog and work for a sustainable working life where AI supports us, not hinders us.
In your previous lectures, you highlight the importance of a human-centered perspective on AI. How can this perspective also be applied in technology-heavy industries like mining?
I believe that the mining industry, like other sectors, has everything to gain from putting people at the center of AI strategies. It’s about understanding how technology can support the people who actually use it, both in the workplace and in society. A human-centric perspective means that every employee is seen as an important part of the transformation, and that AI solutions are designed to simplify everyday life, enhance safety and make work more meaningful. Involving users early and listening to their needs creates both more effective solutions and a more sustainable organizational culture.
What do you think the mining industry can learn from other sectors in terms of AI and digital transformation?
AI is technology-heavy, but it can also make a powerful contribution to innovation, well-being and sustainability. The mining industry can be inspired by sectors such as healthcare and education, which have been quick to combine technology and human needs. Developing user-friendly interfaces, investing in continuous skills development and setting clear ethical guidelines will create long-term value by putting people at the center. We should also be inspired by the start-up scene, where experimenting with new applications of AI is an important part of finding the most powerful uses for the technology.
And if we turn it around – is there anything you think other industries could learn from how industry is working with AI?
Industry can provide important inspiration on how to implement AI with a focus on safety, especially in physical environments where humans and autonomous vehicles interact. The rigor required for the technology to work safely in the mine can provide lessons on how autonomous technology can be used in other environments, such as public spaces. As AI, as we speak of the technology today, is still relatively new, there is much to be gained from creating cross-industry networks where experiences, research results and examples of actual applications can be shared.
Finally, looking ahead, what do you see as the most exciting opportunity with AI in the coming years?
AI has the potential to create a more human working life. It can free up time for creativity, innovation and relationships – the things that define us as humans. AI can also help us make better decisions based on real-time data, and offer personalized learning through personal digital coaches. At the same time, we need to be vigilant about who is driving developments and what agendas are in control. The more voices heard in the AI debate, the better. If we take the ethical and social issues seriously from the start, AI can become a force that helps both people and organizations develop in a sustainable way.
Lotta Sartz, Senior Project Manager, welcomes you to the 2025 edition of AI in Mining on the theme: The Automation Journey for the Mining Sector. Hope to see you there!
Lotta Sartz
📆May 6 2025, 09:00-14:00 CET (on site in Örebro or participate online)
