Call me a nerd, but I like to stay abreast of artificial intelligence\u2019s speed of learning about the mining industry. In hopes of getting some creative inspiration for writing this month\u2019s column, I decided to test AI by asking it what it thinks are the main themes and outlook of mining in North America and the world right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While I set low expectations, as my past checks on the topic have been \u2013 well, let\u2019s say, lacking \u2013 this time the model (thanks, Google Copilot) did catch some running themes that I think some would agree with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The title AI chose was certainly interesting, taking an optimistic stance: \u201cThe U.S. Mining Industry: A Bright Future Ahead.\u201d It spurred my thoughts; why not presume an optimistic stance? While there are some energy-related intersections to navigate with the new administration, we are seeing movements in mining that support a feeling of optimism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, in just weeks, I have seen five news stories of companies, both operators and suppliers, sealing pacts to work together to advance their respective industry areas. Volvo Penta and J&S will reduce carbon emissions together; Trimble and GroundProbe are taking on comprehensive mine monitoring as a team; Metso and Dynamox have joined forces for mineral processing monitoring; Komatsu and Bridgestone are collaborating on new technology; and global miners Sasol, Anglo American and De Beers have entered an agreement to pilot the production of feedstock for renewable diesel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, just days ago, Vale announced a teaming with Caterpillar will boost their shared focus on productivity, innovation and decarbonization in a new five-year global framework deal. And the year is barely eight weeks old. Pretty impressive start to 2025 if you ask me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AI also highlighted the \u201cUnleashing American Energy\u201d executive order and elaborated on its impacts by bulleting evolutions in critical minerals, \u201cregulatory relief\u201d and technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe U.S. mining industry is experiencing a resurgence\u2026this resurgence is not just a boon for the industry but also a critical step towards securing America\u2019s economic and national security,\u201d it told me. Interesting take, but one drawn on what we already know to be true: the outlook is that permitting and regulatory processes are expected to get easier, and mining overall will likely benefit \u2013 especially for minerals like lithium, nickel, antimony, and copper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Copilot closed with optimism. While I\u2019m still cynical of AI use and do not expect miracles from AI\u2019s \u201cintelligence\u201d on mining knowledge anytime soon, I can\u2019t argue with this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn conclusion, the U.S. mining industry is on the brink of a new era of growth and innovation. With supportive regulatory policies, a focus on critical minerals, and technological advancements, the industry is well-positioned to contribute to America\u2019s economic and national security while fostering sustainability and community engagement. The future looks bright\u2026and the industry is ready to lead the way in securing a prosperous, sustainable future for the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Work safe, and see you next issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Donna Schmidt<\/strong> Call me a nerd, but I like to stay abreast of artificial intelligence\u2019s speed of learning about the mining industry. In hopes of getting some creative inspiration for writing this month\u2019s column, I decided to test AI by asking it what it thinks are the main themes and outlook of mining in North America and the world right now. While…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":3482,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[11],"tags":[3673,1027,613],"coauthors":[1632],"class_list":["post-9783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-editorial","tag-ai","tag-artificial-intelligence","tag-mining-industry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
Editor, North American Mining magazine
dschmidt@semcopublishing.com
X: @Dschmidt_NAM<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"