Deakin collaboration to bring AI to the mining industry

Deakin University’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute (A²I²) has announced the establishment of a collaboration with MineExcellence to support the mining sector in leveraging recent advances in artificial intelligence.

MineExcellence is a leading provider of digital technologies for mining, with a special focus on drill and blast operations, in the controlled use of explosives to break rock for excavation. The company has established a collaboration with A²I² to enhance the efficiency and safety of drill and blast processes, using AI and machine learning (ML).

The mining industry is increasingly using AI and ML as tools to optimise processes, enhance decision-making, derive value from data, and improve safety.

A memorandum of understanding between the two organisations was recently signed by MineExcellence Managing Director Amit Bhandari and Deakin Research Innovations Senior Manager of Commercialisation Greg Pullen.

A²I² Head of Translational Research Professor Rajesh Vasa highlighted the importance of this collaboration, and the core aim of the research project.

“The collaboration between Mine Excellence and A²I² includes joint research, industry connections and PhD placements,” he said. “Our research in this area aims to pioneer new methods and approaches that deliver high impact results to drilling and blasting, making the process safer and more efficient.”

Initial work has already started through a co-funded PhD student based at A²I² and working in collaboration with industry.

MineExcellence will provide its drill and blast domain knowledge as well as its digital platform. AI models will be developed in collaboration with A²I², with support from drill and blast expert Professor Sushil Bhandari as external supervisor.

Professor Vasa said A²I² has strong capacity to apply novel AI techniques to the mining sector.

“A²I² has a proven track record of positively impacting society, spanning health, education and defence technologies. Now we are expanding to the mining industry,” he said. “Our institute possesses the expertise to enhance mining processes. We look forward to collaborating with MineExcellence on this project, and sharing outcomes in the near future.”

Image: A²I² staff meet with MineExcellence (L-R): A²I² Research Fellow Dr Srikanth Thudumu, A²I² Co-Director Alfred Deakin Prof Kon Mouzakis, MineExcellence (ME) Managing Director Amit Bhandari, A²I² Head of Translational Research Prof Raj Vasa, ME Co-Founder Dr Sushil Bhandari.