5 answers
Peter
Student
Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa
7
Questions
Updated
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How do technologies such as automatic robotics and AI change the job of mining electrical engineering?
How do technologies such as automatic robotics and AI change the job of mining electrical engineering?
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5 answers
Lorenzo Gholston
15
Answers
Updated
Lorenzo’s Answer
Think of AI not as taking over mining electrical engineering, but as changing what engineers need to know and do.
I’m not a mining electrical engineer; my background is in healthcare transformation and technology. However, I’ve noticed a trend across industries: when automation and AI come in, jobs don’t vanish. Instead, the work evolves and becomes more valuable.
For mining electrical engineers, new technologies like autonomous robotics, AI, sensors, remote operations, and electrified equipment are transforming the role in several ways.
First, engineers are now more like systems integrators. They still focus on power distribution, equipment reliability, wiring, controls, maintenance, and safety. But they also need to understand how electrical systems connect with robotics, control systems, networks, sensors, software, and data platforms. Modern mining involves managing motors, drives, hoists, ventilation systems, high-voltage equipment, and remote operations technology.
Second, the job is more data-driven. AI helps find patterns in equipment performance, predict failures, optimize energy use, and improve maintenance. So, engineers will ask not just if equipment is powered correctly, but what data says about potential failures, efficiency, and preventing downtime.
Third, electrification is key. As mining companies use more electric vehicles and less diesel, engineers must plan for charging infrastructure, power demand, battery systems, and maintenance, ensuring operations run safely and efficiently.
Fourth, safety and remote operations are more important. Mining is risky, so robotics and automation help keep people out of danger. This increases the need for engineers to design, monitor, troubleshoot, and improve automated systems.
The biggest skill shift is that mining electrical engineers need both traditional engineering skills and digital knowledge. Power systems, circuits, controls, motors, safety, and reliability are still essential. But strong candidates will also understand PLCs, SCADA systems, sensors, networking, cybersecurity, programming, data analytics, and AI basics.
My advice to students is to maintain a solid foundation in electrical engineering for credibility, but also learn about automation, robotics, data, and AI to handle the entire system. Future engineers won’t just maintain equipment; they’ll help design smarter, safer, and more connected operations.
I’m not a mining electrical engineer; my background is in healthcare transformation and technology. However, I’ve noticed a trend across industries: when automation and AI come in, jobs don’t vanish. Instead, the work evolves and becomes more valuable.
For mining electrical engineers, new technologies like autonomous robotics, AI, sensors, remote operations, and electrified equipment are transforming the role in several ways.
First, engineers are now more like systems integrators. They still focus on power distribution, equipment reliability, wiring, controls, maintenance, and safety. But they also need to understand how electrical systems connect with robotics, control systems, networks, sensors, software, and data platforms. Modern mining involves managing motors, drives, hoists, ventilation systems, high-voltage equipment, and remote operations technology.
Second, the job is more data-driven. AI helps find patterns in equipment performance, predict failures, optimize energy use, and improve maintenance. So, engineers will ask not just if equipment is powered correctly, but what data says about potential failures, efficiency, and preventing downtime.
Third, electrification is key. As mining companies use more electric vehicles and less diesel, engineers must plan for charging infrastructure, power demand, battery systems, and maintenance, ensuring operations run safely and efficiently.
Fourth, safety and remote operations are more important. Mining is risky, so robotics and automation help keep people out of danger. This increases the need for engineers to design, monitor, troubleshoot, and improve automated systems.
The biggest skill shift is that mining electrical engineers need both traditional engineering skills and digital knowledge. Power systems, circuits, controls, motors, safety, and reliability are still essential. But strong candidates will also understand PLCs, SCADA systems, sensors, networking, cybersecurity, programming, data analytics, and AI basics.
My advice to students is to maintain a solid foundation in electrical engineering for credibility, but also learn about automation, robotics, data, and AI to handle the entire system. Future engineers won’t just maintain equipment; they’ll help design smarter, safer, and more connected operations.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
259
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your thoughtful question. I'll rather approach it at a more general level.
Through out recorded human history, step changes in technology have resulted in significant disruptions, especially after the 18th century industrial revolution. Subsequent advancements in control and automation have resulted in the creation of assembly lines and robotics have significantly improved opportunities for autonomous systems. In the beer industry, for instance, the brewing department (malt tower, brewhouse, cellars & filtration) is managed by four persons using a SCADA system.
AI has the potential to be the most disruptive - specifically because of its abilities to create autonomous systems. The systems still need people to design, construct, operate and maintain them. These jobs are highly specialized and are likely to be few - they may be considered permanent jobs.
At a fundamental level, however, the human mind is irreplaceable. The idea of AI replacing human intellectual capabilities is just not sustainable.
What we choose to do with AI will determine whether it will be a force for good or not.
Many areas of application do exist: digital recruitment systems, analytics, digital marketing platforms, robotics, autonomous weaponry etc.
Mankind has to wrestle with our current concept of employment - it may no longer be relevant for our current circumstances.
A more objective environment would ensure people use their natural talents to create wealth and get actively involved economic activities. They also get opportunities to build passive wealth. This may require additional skills: sales & marketing, relevant software applications etc.
A reverse engineering of the education system could be a good enabler.
Thanks for your thoughtful question. I'll rather approach it at a more general level.
Through out recorded human history, step changes in technology have resulted in significant disruptions, especially after the 18th century industrial revolution. Subsequent advancements in control and automation have resulted in the creation of assembly lines and robotics have significantly improved opportunities for autonomous systems. In the beer industry, for instance, the brewing department (malt tower, brewhouse, cellars & filtration) is managed by four persons using a SCADA system.
AI has the potential to be the most disruptive - specifically because of its abilities to create autonomous systems. The systems still need people to design, construct, operate and maintain them. These jobs are highly specialized and are likely to be few - they may be considered permanent jobs.
At a fundamental level, however, the human mind is irreplaceable. The idea of AI replacing human intellectual capabilities is just not sustainable.
What we choose to do with AI will determine whether it will be a force for good or not.
Many areas of application do exist: digital recruitment systems, analytics, digital marketing platforms, robotics, autonomous weaponry etc.
Mankind has to wrestle with our current concept of employment - it may no longer be relevant for our current circumstances.
A more objective environment would ensure people use their natural talents to create wealth and get actively involved economic activities. They also get opportunities to build passive wealth. This may require additional skills: sales & marketing, relevant software applications etc.
A reverse engineering of the education system could be a good enabler.
Tayfun CELIK
SOFTWARE ENGINEER
3
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Tayfun’s Answer
Shift in Key Responsibilities & Skill SetsAreaTraditional Mining EEModern AI & Robotics-Era Mining EEPrimary FocusHeavy high-voltage power distribution, switchgear, motorsIntegration of high-power systems with digital communication networksWork EnvironmentOn-site, underground, exposed to harsh conditionsHybrid or remote (Remote Operations Centers) using digital twinsMaintenanceScheduled preventative & reactive fix-it-when-brokenAI-driven predictive asset management and sensor health analyticsCore Software SkillsBasic CAD, PLC ladder logic, SCADAPython/R for data analysis, machine learning interfaces, industrial cyber-securitySystem SafetyElectrical arc flash protection, manual lockout-tagoutFunctional safety for human-robot co-working, cybersecurity for automated systems
Supreeti Sehra
20
Answers
Updated
Supreeti’s Answer
As all the fields are evolving with AI so is Mining electrical engineering. The biggest changes involved in its evolution will be remote operations, predictive maintenance, electrical and digitized mine equipments. Where traditional mining required manual troubleshooting, physically being present to monitor machinery and fixing equipment after the failures, the future AI enabled role will help design intelligent electrical systems that will use predictive maintenance to detect failures before they happen. They will use real time data to predict and prevent failures. Remotely monitoring power systems and operations.The change is essentially from maintaining electrical equipment to engineering intelligent, autonomous and electrified mining systems.
For a student in this field today, combination of electrical engineering, automation/controls, AI/data and industrial cybersecurity would be beneficial. This combination can make you valuable not only in mining, but also in energy, manufacturing, robotics and autonomous systems. hope this helps. Good luck for future.
For a student in this field today, combination of electrical engineering, automation/controls, AI/data and industrial cybersecurity would be beneficial. This combination can make you valuable not only in mining, but also in energy, manufacturing, robotics and autonomous systems. hope this helps. Good luck for future.
Marcelo Schiavo, MBA, PMP
Project Manager
10
Answers
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Updated
Marcelo’s Answer
Hi Peter,
Automation, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming mining electrical engineering from a role focused mainly on operating and maintaining equipment into one focused on designing, optimizing, and managing intelligent systems. Modern engineers are becoming technology leaders who use data, software, sensors, and automation to improve safety, productivity, and sustainability.
Build strong engineering knowledge, embrace digital and AI technologies, develop excellent people skills, and never stop learning. These capabilities will help you achieve professional success while maintaining a rewarding and balanced life.
Personal Success Skills I suggest
Adaptability: Embrace technological change and new ways of working.
Continuous Learning: Commit to lifelong learning and professional growth.
Resilience: Stay focused and positive when facing challenges.
Work-Life Balance: Maintain physical health, mental well-being, and strong relationships.
Automation, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming mining electrical engineering from a role focused mainly on operating and maintaining equipment into one focused on designing, optimizing, and managing intelligent systems. Modern engineers are becoming technology leaders who use data, software, sensors, and automation to improve safety, productivity, and sustainability.
Build strong engineering knowledge, embrace digital and AI technologies, develop excellent people skills, and never stop learning. These capabilities will help you achieve professional success while maintaining a rewarding and balanced life.
Personal Success Skills I suggest
Adaptability: Embrace technological change and new ways of working.
Continuous Learning: Commit to lifelong learning and professional growth.
Resilience: Stay focused and positive when facing challenges.
Work-Life Balance: Maintain physical health, mental well-being, and strong relationships.