Mining Operators Adopt AI to Boost Mineral Production
Digital infrastructure upgrades help mining firms mitigate labor shortages and scale rare earth element output.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Manufacturing
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Mining operators are increasingly adopting digital infrastructure to support the rising demand for rare earth elements and critical minerals. This shift toward automation and AI-enabled site management aims to improve efficiency and mitigate persistent labor shortages within the sector.
Why it matters
As global demand for critical minerals grows, operators are moving to integrate IT and OT systems to boost productivity and secure project feasibility. This modernization is becoming essential for companies managing the complexities of resource development in competitive markets.
The mining industry generated $300 billion in total output last year, contributing approximately 10 percent to Australia's GDP. Operators are now scaling technology investments to manage projects like the $500 million Syerston scandium site.
The players
DXC Technology
A global IT services company specializing in the integration of digital infrastructure, automation, and AI for industrial operations.
Sunrise Energy Metals
A resource development company operating the Syerston scandium project in New South Wales.
The details
DXC Technology is facilitating this transition by integrating information technology and operational technology through digital twins and automation. These tools support the entire mining lifecycle, from initial feasibility studies to post-feasibility execution and site expansions. By applying AI modeling, operators aim to reduce reliance on manual labor while optimizing production workflows for the 17 rare earth elements currently in high global demand.
Timeline
October 2025: The US-Australia Critical Minerals Framework was established.
2025: The mining industry contributed $300 billion in output to Australia's economy.
Market Landscape
The push for digitized mining follows the October 2025 establishment of the US-Australia Critical Minerals Framework, which coordinates investments in strategic resource projects. This aligns with broader efforts to secure supply chains for the 17 rare earth elements by leveraging technology to improve site viability.
Operators should evaluate how automated IT/OT integration can offset labor shortages in their specific resource segments. Assessing the feasibility of digital twins for existing assets may provide the necessary operational visibility to meet current production demands.
The takeaway
Technology-enabled mine development is rapidly becoming a primary lever for managing capital-intensive resource projects. Owners should track the integration of AI modeling into feasibility studies to benchmark the efficiency gains of current competitive projects.
Further reading
For more on industry modernization, see our Manufacturing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Australian Mining.
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Is the increasing shift toward critical mineral mining good for the future of the nation's economy?
