AI and Innovation in Mining: But do we Dig it? | Resourcing Tomorrow x TDi Sustainability podcast series 2026
October 8, 2026
Panellists
Key topics
Technology, talent and innovation strategy are becoming increasingly connected in mining. AI, automation and digital systems are changing discovery, decision-making and operations, while new physical technologies could reshape how rock is broken, moved and processed.
The challenge is turning that potential into repeatable gains in productivity, safety and environmental performance. Moving beyond pilots requires investment, reliable data and trust in new approaches, while retaining the geological expertise and operational judgement essential to sound decisions.
The speakers in this podcast are:
- Jef Caers: Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Geophysics, Stanford University; Founder, Stanford Mineral-X
- Mark Frayman: Managing Partner, Orion Industrial Ventures
- Roby Stancel: Managing Partner, Innovation Architects
This episode explores what disruptive innovation looks like in practice and what it takes to scale it. The speakers examine how capital, technology and human capability can work together to deliver meaningful improvements across mining. They also consider how technology is changing workforce skills and roles, and how companies can build the confidence and capability needed to adopt new ways of working.
This episode is part of the TDi Sustainability special series of podcasts produced ahead of Resourcing Tomorrow 2026, taking place in London from 1–3 December. Find out more about the event here.