- Media Release
Co-operative approach superior to external veto to reap benefits of AI for Australian mining
Today’s launch of the National AI Plan by the Minister for Industry and Innovation and the Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy shows the Federal Government is working to support the use of AI to benefit all Australians, including the urgent need to develop a broad base of qualified professionals to boost the use of AI in mining and other sectors.
It is imperative that governments take a dynamic and light touch approach to AI regulation.
Providing Australia’s mining sector with the freedom to test, deploy and refine new technologies will improve safety outcomes, drive efficiency and strengthen global competitiveness.
The mining sector urges the government to follow a co-operative approach between industry, AI experts and unions as it implements its national plan.
The MCA warned in July that giving any external body – including unions – the power to block or veto innovation by minerals companies would drag our sector backwards and erode Australia’s competitiveness.
Australia’s reputation as a leader in the development and implementation of new technology to improve safety and productivity in all industries, especially mining, would be at grave risk under such an approach.
A co-operative approach for mutual benefit including industry growth, improved safety and productivity would be vastly superior to new and unjustified veto powers.
The National AI Plan’s $440 million investment to deliver advanced satellite imaging and geospatial analytics through Geoscience Australia’s Earth Observation Program and the Australia–United States Partnership in Landsat Next is set to enhance mineral exploration, improve operational efficiency, and advance environmental compliance.
Greater investment in Australia’s digital and physical infrastructure is vital for mining, with private 5G and fibre networks enabling faster data flows to local centres for real‑time AI analysis and decision‑making. By processing data domestically rather than offshore, Australia can accelerate automation, strengthen competitiveness, and position itself as a leader in AI innovations and applications.
Mining’s AI leadership and proven applications in predictive maintenance, exploration analytics, infrastructure inspection, and automation can accelerate AI adoption in priority sectors such as defence, education, and infrastructure. Providing a foundation for wider diffusion across the economy and extending benefits across Australian society through skills, technology transfer, and best‑practice standards.