Publication: Foundations of AI: A Framework for AI in Mining (Updated Version)

July 20, 2026 — Global Mining Guidelines Group (GMG) has published an updated version of Foundations of AI: A Framework for AI in Mining—a white paper that provides guidance for mining companies planning and implementing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions.

AI continues to be adopted across the mining industry as a tool to optimize processes, enhance decision-making, derive value from data, improve safety, and increase productivity. As adoption expands, the need for a clear and practical understanding of how to approach AI implementation remains a priority.

“Successful AI implementation starts with a clearly defined operational problem,” said Jonny Witter, Mining Lead, MTS. “AI should be treated as one tool in our broader toolkit, rather than a solution looking for a problem. A practical approach—shaped by frontline design and direct feedback—is what elevates AI from a concept into an essential frontline asset.”

This update reinforces the original framework while aligning it with how AI is currently being implemented across mining operations. It outlines what AI is—and what it is not—positioning it within a broader landscape that includes machine learning, deep learning, data science, and big data. The document emphasizes that while AI enables automation and advanced analysis, human expertise remains central to interpreting inputs and outputs and guiding its use.

The white paper identifies key success factors for AI implementation, including the need for a coherent technology strategy, strong data management practices, effective communication, clear expectations, internal support, and the ability to remain agile and adaptable. It also highlights the importance of considering end-user needs and planning for long-term scalability and repeatability.

“Not every organization needs to be aiming at fully autonomous AI-driven operations,” said Rob Johnston, Manager IS Solutions Delivery at CITIC Pacific Mining and GMG’s Lead on this white paper project. “The point of the maturity framework is that teams can locate themselves honestly and take the next step in their AI journey from there, instead of jumping to the end state and stalling.”

Recognizing that organizations are at different stages in their AI journey, the document introduces a maturity framework to help guide progression—from early exploration through to fully automated operations. It also outlines a general workflow for selecting and implementing AI projects, including defining the problem, assessing and organizing data, piloting solutions, and validating results.

“AI in mining earns its value when it moves from dashboards to decisions, and when the people on the ground trust it enough to act on them,” said Erman Koç, CEO, airth.io. “This framework gets the fundamentals right: prescriptive guidance at the point of action, vendor-agnostic by design, and operators augmented, not bypassed. That’s the foundation real operational AI is built on.”

While AI presents significant opportunities, the white paper also addresses common challenges associated with integration into existing mining operations. It underscores the importance of robust planning, clear communication, and effective change management to support successful adoption.

Developed collaboratively through GMG’s global network of industry participants, the updated Foundations of AI white paper is intended for those responsible for introducing or expanding AI within mining organizations, as well as the broader ecosystem supporting implementation.

The white paper is available for download here or by clicking on the image.