Survey: Miners Plan to Spend More on Digital Technologies
Four out of five mining and metals companies expect to increase their spending on digital technologies over the next three years, with more than one-quarter (28%) planning significant investments, and almost half (46%) citing digital as the biggest contributor to innovation, according to new research from Accenture.
Based on a survey of approximately 200 mining and metals executives and functional leaders worldwide, the Digital Technology in Mining report shows that the convergence of information and operational technologies (IT/OT) and the adoption of cloud computing are advancing the digital agenda, prompting the need for more-stringent cybersecurity measures.
Mining and metals executives said their companies have applied and will continue to apply digital technology over the next three to five years predominantly in mine operations, but also in exploration, mine development and other areas. Most of the investments in mining operations target robotics and automation, named by 54% as a top spending area, along with remote operating centers, drones and wearable technologies, each at 41%.
