The Digital Drift: Unearthing innovative opportunities for Australia’s mining and mineral industry

Abstract

Examining the current state and future opportunities of digital transformation and business innovation for capital projects in Australia’s mining and mineral processing industry.

Globally, digital innovation has revolutionised the way we live and work. But not all industries and organisations have kept pace. Those that find themselves facing a digital gap have critical work to do not only to thrive, but to survive. This study offers in-depth insights into the current state and future opportunities of digital and business innovation for capital projects in Australia’s mining and mineral processing (M&M) industry. Through one-on-one interviews with eighteen industry business leaders, several important findings emerged that confirm a hypothesis supported by other industry sources: Australia’s M&M industry is still in its infancy when it comes to digital innovation in capital projects, with plenty of room to grow and a great deal of value to be realised. Through a closer examination of respondents’ attitudes, perspectives, and barriers to adoption, the study presents a comprehensive set of recommendations for how to advance digital innovation successfully in order to capture and create value and build long-term business resilience and profitability. The study’s recommendations are anchored by three pillars of success: leadership, vision, and strategy; people and culture; and technology foundations. This study is significant in that it is one of the most targeted primary research studies into the Australian M&M industry conducted to date. With these detailed recommendations and actionable paths forward, business leaders and industry stakeholders will have the knowledge and confidence to take the next steps in their journey toward a digital future.