02 Sep 2026
Mining and Metals
Why data quality is the real AI challenge in the mining industry
Insights
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in the mining industry. Predictive maintenance for critical equipment, energy optimization, improved metallurgical recovery, asset monitoring and process anomaly detection are just a few of the many applications with significant potential benefits.However, when an AI project fails to deliver the expected results, the problem rarely lies with the algorithms themselves.In our experience, the main obstacles are usually related to data quality, availability and structure. Even the most sophisticated models cannot produce reliable recommendations if the data they rely on is incomplete, inconsistent or difficult to use.Before we talk about artificial intelligence, we first need to talk about data.
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Nicolas Samson, P.Eng.
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Caroline Provost P.Eng.
Director, Operational Strategy Implementation
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Senior Engineer, Operational Technology and Infrastructure
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Environmental Professional
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Shanon Lo, P.Eng.
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Senior Technologist
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Susan Eick
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Shayne Casavant, P.Eng.
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Joe Nava, P.Eng.
Global Director, Advanced Fuels and Chemicals
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Benoit Desjardins, P.Eng.
Senior Engineer, Operational Readiness and Commissioning
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Atulya Verma, P.Eng.
Principal Engineer, Mining and Geology
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Stephanie Mayer, P.Eng., CMVP®, 50001 CP
Senior Engineer, Energy and Air Quality
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14 Aug 2025Mining and MetalsAn underground mine’s ventilation system is an intricate series of drifts and raises connected to a main backbone designed to deliver fresh air throughout the mine while safely exhausting contaminated air to the surface. As mines expand deeper underground and further laterally, the ventilation system must work even harder to push fresh air to where it’s needed. This increased demand could lead to higher costs—whether from installing larger fans, adding more equipment or perhaps constructing a new vent raise, which could easily range from $200M to $300M. With operational costs under constant scrutiny, mining companies are looking for smarter, more cost-effective solutions. Implementing ventilation control strategies offers a viable option for reducing energy consumption without compromising air quality. Given that ventilation accounts for roughly 50% of an underground mine’s overall energy consumption, implementing the right strategies could extend the system’s capacity, ensuring fresh air where it’s required, essentially maximizing efficiency and making the most of existing infrastructure. “Ventilation accounts for nearly 50% of an underground mine’s energy consumption—smart control strategies can significantly cut costs.”Optimizing Ventilation Systems for Underground Mines
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Mark Lafontaine, M.B.A.
Principal Advisor, Sudbury Office
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