AI “New Oil” for Mining, Says Deloitte Expert

Data and artificial intelligence are becoming the most valuable resources in the mining industry, according to a senior adviser at Deloitte. The expert described AI-driven analysis as “the new oil” for the sector, arguing that companies using these tools can find minerals faster and cut costs. Traditional mining relies on physical exploration and manual data review. But with AI, firms can analyze huge amounts of geological information in seconds. This helps them predict where valuable metals like copper or lithium are located, reducing wasted time and money. The adviser warned that mining companies that ignore this shift risk falling behind. “Data is no longer just a support tool,” they said. “It is the core competitive advantage.” The report comes as global demand for critical minerals rises, driven by electric vehicles and renewable energy.