AI Boosts Efficiency in Russian Mining Sector, Study Finds

A five-year analysis reveals that artificial intelligence is significantly improving productivity and cutting costs across Russia’s largest mining operations.

Artificial intelligence is transforming Russia’s extractive industries, according to a new study by the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation. Researchers analyzed the performance of 15 major mining enterprises over the past five years and found that digital technologies have led to major production gains.

Labor productivity has increased by an average of 12%, while predictive analytics and automation tools have helped reduce operating costs by 10–15%. Companies that have adopted AI are already proving to be significantly more competitive.

The shift to digital infrastructure also brings new challenges—chief among them is cybersecurity. The more digitalized the operations, the stronger the need for robust system protection. Another hurdle is retraining employees to adapt to new technologies, a challenge shared across industries. Interestingly, AI is already easing the burden by helping to address labor shortages.

Experts believe AI is catalyzing a major business transformation, opening up new opportunities across the mining sector. The key, they say, is staying ahead of trends and accurately assessing the evolving landscape—tasks in which AI itself is proving to be an essential tool.