Faiza Tehseen

Pakistan can save over 90 percent of the mining produce by automating the mineral sector, said Abdul Bashir, Chief geologist at Koh-e-Daleel Mining Company, while talking exclusively to WealthPK.

“Over 75% of the precious ore is wasted due to mining inefficiencies. Usually, it is due to the outdated equipment and use of explosives rather than smart tools. Owing to this situation, Pakistan can’t meet domestic raw material needs and earn foreign exchange by exporting the excess product,” he said.

“It is crucial to adopt AI-based smart automation, extraction, and sensor-based sorting. To avoid costly processing, sensor-based ore sorting improves ore recovery by rejecting low-grade or barren material early. Embedding such systems into Pakistan’s mining operations can substantially boost efficiency,” he explained.

Quoting an example, he said, “By adopting AI-based mining technologies, China has reduced mining losses to a great extent. Now, they extract ore potential as much as possible, and not only fulfill the local needs but also earn through value-added ore export.” Pakistan may seek technical coordination with China to automate its conventional mineral sector.

Pakistan stands at a pivotal moment as the global demand shifts toward sustainable resource extraction. Strategic adoption of automation and AI can transform the mining sector into a driver of sustainable economic development.

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role in cutting mining losses, predicting maintenance needs, supporting geological mapping, and ensuring compliance, safety, and sustainability. It also enhances decision-making by optimizing resource allocation, risk assessment, and supply chainmanagement,” he added.

A modernized mineral sector in Pakistan is imperative to avoid mining resource losses. It will add confidence to both miners and investors. The government should also announce support and subsidies for the miners who switch to AI-based mining operations. It will revolutionize the mining sector into a superbly sustainable entity.

Discussing with WealthPK the importance of automation in the mining sector to reduce waste and protect resources, miner and geologist Imran Babar said, “Pakistan can align itself with the developed nations by improving the mining sector through innovation, less ecological impact, and higher recovery rates.”

He said by using conventional mining techniques, the low recovery rate from the mined material causes great financial losses and increases the cost. So, it is important to match automation with workforce upskilling and conventional mining. Automation not only helps in productivity and safety, but also in regenerative mining.

“Owing to the lack of funding, several mining and processing operations are still using outdated equipment because they cannot procure high-end automation tools. Skills training and simulation tech are vital to empower local talent adoption. It will popularize sustainable extraction and export value, he said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk