Sustainable Mining in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

THE mining sector historically drove the global economy but at the expense of severe environmental and health repercussions, posing sustainability challenges [1]–[3]. Recent advancements on artificial intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing mining through robotic and data-driven innovations [4]–[7]. While AI offers mining industry advantages, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential risks associated with its widespread use. Over-reliance on AI may lead to a loss of human control over mining operations in the future, resulting in unpredictable consequences. Furthermore, the design and training of AI systems can introduce biases and unfairness, exacerbating social and environmental inequalities [3]. Unchecked technological progress may undermine achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development [8].