Unearthing opportunity: Why the time is now to invest in mining technologies for sustainable growth

As the world transitions towards sustainable practices and the demand for minerals essential to the energy transition surges, the mining industry stands at a transformative juncture. For investors and capital allocators, the integration of advanced technologies across various stages of mining — from exploration to recycling — offers significant growth potential and financial returns.

The demand for minerals is witnessing unprecedented growth, primarily driven by the transition to renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs) and digital technologies. The demand for critical minerals is expected to increase by up to six times by 2040 to meet the needs of clean energy technologies.

Where tech is fuelling the sustainable mining revolution
Technology is key to ensuring the mining industry delivers on the strategic opportunity of the energy transition. Here are seven of the key areas where technology is set to shake up mining.

1. Exploration
   Advancements in exploration technologies, including geospatial analysis, drone surveying and artificial intelligence (AI), have revolutionized how mining companies identify and assess mineral deposits. AI algorithms can analyze geological data to predict the location of mineral deposits more accurately. Today, companies employing AI in exploration have reported a 20-30% reduction in time and costs associated with mineral discovery.
2. Excavation
   Automation and robotics are transforming excavation processes. Autonomous mining trucks and drilling systems enhance operational efficiency and safety. Autonomous systems can lead to a 15% increase in productivity while significantly reducing operational risks.

The global market for autonomous mining equipment is projected to grow from $3.1 billion in 2020 to $6.2 billion by 2026, a CAGR of 15%.

3. Material handling
   Material handling is critical for efficient mining operations. Technologies such as automated conveyor systems and robotic handlers improve the transportation and storage of mined materials. These innovations enhance productivity by minimizing delays and reducing labour costs.

Implementing automated material handling systems can yield efficiency gains of up to 30% in logistics operations.

4. Concentration and refining
   Concentration technologies, such as flotation, leaching and magnetic separation, are crucial for extracting valuable minerals from ore. The refining processes that follow — such as smelting and electrolysis — are essential for producing high-purity materials.

Modern flotation systems can improve recovery rates by 10-20%, significantly enhancing the economic viability of mining operations.

5. Energy storage and use
   The mining industry is increasingly adopting renewable energy sources and energy storage solutions to reduce operational costs and carbon footprints. Companies are investing in solar and wind energy projects to power their operations, which can lead to significant savings.

Transitioning to renewable energy sources can reduce mining companies’ energy costs by up to 30%.

6. Logistics
   Logistics plays a critical role in mining operations. Advanced logistics technologies, such as real-time tracking systems and blockchain for supply chain transparency, enhance efficiency and reduce delays.

Implementing blockchain technology in the mining supply chain can lower administrative costs by 20-30%, creating a more transparent and efficient process.

7. Recycling
   As sustainability becomes a central focus, investing in recycling technologies is crucial for the mining industry. Advanced recycling methods can recover valuable minerals from waste materials, reducing the need for new mining operations.

The global market for mining waste recycling is expected to reach $70 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.5%.

Leveraging proven technologies from other industries
Innovations that have successfully transformed sectors such as manufacturing, logistics and energy are relevant to mining, provided that their use cases are understood and products are appropriately tailored.

De-risked innovations: Many of these technologies have undergone extensive testing and refinement, significantly reducing the risks associated with their implementation in mining. For instance, automation and AI applications have been successfully employed in logistics to optimize supply chain management, offering insights that can be translated into mining operations.

Untapped potential: Despite the readiness of these technologies, the mining sector has only begun to scratch the surface of their potential applications. This creates a lucrative opportunity for investors, as the use cases in mining remain largely untapped. The ability to adapt existing technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance sustainability presents a significant market advantage.

Building mining’s technology ecosystem
Prospect Innovation has established a first-of-its-kind global ecosystem for early-stage mining technologies. Backed by the Vimson Group’s 70+ year old heritage in operating mines, it seeks to take advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity for the mining industry to do well by doing good. Prospect Innovation’s partnership with the World Economic Forum’s UpLink platform seeks to enhance awareness of this opportunity and attract the most promising entrepreneurs and transformative technologies to address the industry’s most challenging issues.

Investing in mining technologies not only aligns with sustainability goals but also presents substantial financial returns. Here’s why investors should consider this sector:

Increased efficiency and cost reduction: Technologies that enhance operational efficiency lead to significant cost savings. Companies implementing automation and AI have reported up to a 30% reduction in operational costs.

Diversification of investment portfolios: The mining sector offers a unique opportunity for diversification. By investing in companies leveraging various technologies, investors can spread risk while capitalizing on growth in critical mineral markets.

Alignment with ESG Goals: As investors increasingly prioritize Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria, companies focused on sustainable mining practices are likely to attract greater investment. This alignment enhances reputational value and long-term profitability.

Government support and incentives: Governments worldwide are providing incentives for mining companies to adopt sustainable technologies. These incentives can enhance the financial viability of investments in this sector.

The mining industry is poised for a revolution that presents significant opportunities for financial investors and capital allocators. By investing in advanced technologies across the sector, investors can capitalize on the growing demand for minerals and the shift towards sustainable mining practices. Furthermore, leveraging proven technologies from other sectors provides an avenue for innovation that has already been de-risked, thus amplifying investment potential.

As the mining industry evolves, those who embrace innovation will not only achieve substantial financial returns but also contribute to a more sustainable future.