Transformation of the Australian mining industry and future prospects

The rapid industrialization in recent decades has enormously increased demands for energy and mineral resources. At the same time, economically viable resources near the surface have been nearly depleted, and the mining industry is facing new challenges of processing low-grade ore, increasing depth, climate changes, and rigorous social and environmental constraints. Furthermore, accountability for major social and sustainable development problems in the mining sector has imposed a further economic burden on mining companies. These challenges in the mining industry can be solved through technical improvements and the optimization of the entire mining value chain using advanced information and communication technologies (ICTs) and automation techniques. This paper presents future prospects of the mining industry by reviewing the sustainable development in mining, the global trend of mining innovations and initiatives of major mining companies, and some new mining technologies in Australia. Furthermore, future prospects and blueprints of the mining industry are suggested. Highlights Economic, social, and environment challenges of the Australian mining industry are examined. Endeavours to remedy those challenges through technical improvements and optimization of the entire mining value chain are reviewed. Prospects of the mining of the future have been suggested.