Following the launch of the Federal Government’s National AI Plan, the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) is advocating for a “dynamic and light-touch approach” to artificial intelligence regulation to ensure the mining sector remains safe and globally competitive.
MCA chief executive officer Tania Constable welcomed the initiative, noting its support for using AI to benefit all Australians, including the urgent need to expand the pool of qualified professionals across various industries. However, Constable stressed the need to avoid overly restrictive regulation.
“It is imperative that governments take a dynamic and light-touch approach to AI regulation,” Constable said.
She said that giving the Australian mining sector the freedom to “test, deploy and refine new technologies will improve safety outcomes, drive efficiency and strengthen global competitiveness”.
The MCA is calling for a collaborative framework as the Federal Government implements its national strategy. The mining sector “urges the government to follow a co-operative approach between industry, AI experts and unions as it implements its national plan”, according to Constable.
The MCA also highlighted the importance of investments within the National AI Plan, including the $440 million commitment to advanced satellite imaging through Geoscience Australia’s Earth Observation Program. This investment, alongside better digital and physical infrastructure, will enable mining companies to process data domestically rather than offshore, Constable said.
Constable said mining’s existing expertise in areas like predictive maintenance, exploration analytics and automation positions it to “accelerate AI adoption in priority sectors such as defence, education, and infrastructure,” providing a foundation for wider diffusion across the economy.
