Artificial intelligence in the mining sector is often viewed through contradictory lenses: either as a threat to workers or as an overhyped technology that fails to deliver in real-world conditions. This session seeks to move beyond these opposing views by demonstrating that intelligence, both human and artificial, is fundamentally contextual: operators excel in intuition and process understanding, while digital systems stand out for their large-scale analytical capabilities. Rather than contrasting these strengths, we will show how combining them can drive tangible improvements in mining operations, particularly in terms of process optimization, data reliability, energy management, and multi-site visibility. Through a presentation, use cases, and a panel discussion, participants will learn how to move from a technology-first approach to an integrated one where people, processes, and data are aligned to address key challenges in Quebec’s mining sector.
Mining 5.0: How People and Data Can Transform the Industry
Thursday, November 19, 2026
9 a.m.
Welcome Address
9:05 a.m.
Augmentation, Not Replacement: The Real Path to Industry 5.0
Artificial intelligence is often described in extremes: either as a threat to the future of work or as an overhyped technology that fails to deliver. This keynote explores that contradiction and challenges how we think about intelligence itself.
Through a series of engaging demonstrations, Jeff Miller highlights the distinct strengths and limitations of both human and artificial intelligence. From perceptual biases that influence human judgment to tasks that AI can solve with surprising ease, the presentation reveals a simple truth: intelligence is contextual. Humans and machines excel in different situations, make different mistakes, and process information in fundamentally different ways.
Rather than treating these differences as a competition, this keynote presents them as an opportunity. When human intuition, experience, and contextual understanding are combined with AI’s speed, scale, and analytical capabilities, entirely new levels of performance become possible.
This collaborative approach is the foundation of Industry 5.0, a human-centric model that uses technology to enhance people rather than replace them. By focusing on augmentation, organizations can create more resilient, adaptable, and innovative operations.
Drawing on real-world industrial examples, Jeff demonstrates how manufacturers and business leaders can move beyond fear and skepticism to make smarter investments in AI. Attendees will gain practical insights into how human-AI collaboration can improve decision-making, address workforce challenges, and unlock new opportunities for growth and operational excellence.
The result is not simply smarter technology, but smarter teams better equipped to navigate an increasingly complex and competitive world.
10:10 a.m.
From Data to Decisions: The Reality of Connected Mining Operations
Today’s connected mine generates vast amounts of data from equipment, operational systems, and digital infrastructure. However, data collection only creates value when it enables timely and informed decision-making.
This presentation explores how data integration, real-time analytics, and decision-support tools are transforming mining operations. Through practical examples, attendees will learn how digital technologies can improve production efficiency, asset maintenance, safety, and overall operational performance.
The session will also address key challenges of digital transformation, including data quality, system interoperability, cybersecurity, and workforce adoption. Participants will gain insight into how organizations can move beyond data collection to leverage actionable information that drives measurable results and supports the development of safer, more efficient, and more resilient mining operations.
10:20 a.m.
Digital Transformation from the Field: Lessons Learned
Everyone likes to talk about their successes. Today, I will talk about the projects that became more complicated than expected, and what they taught us. Drawing from several digital transformation initiatives in the mining industry, this presentation explores how people, processes, technology, and data can determine whether a project delivers real value or struggles to gain traction. Attendees will leave with practical lessons, actionable insights, and proven strategies to accelerate their own digital transformation journey while avoiding costly mistakes.