Artificial intelligence as a driver of economic development for mining companies in modern conditions

A.M. Balashov
Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №4/ 2026 p. 195-198

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the production processes of mining enterprises, identify the challenges and limitations that arise, and assess the opportunities for overcoming them. The article examines the benefits of implementing AI in mining operations, which include enhanced efficiency, process optimization, improved product quality and others. AI technologies enable real-time monitoring of complex technical systems, prediction of potential emergencies and the optimization of energy consumption, leading to a significant reduction in the prime cost of the final products. Automation of hazardous tasks contributes to a radical improvement in industrial safety, safeguarding the lives and health of employees in extreme mining conditions. The author has identified the following key problems and challenges in the widespread application of AI: a shortage of specialists; high costs (of technical solutions and staff training); data constraints (a lack of labelled industrial data and fragmentation of IT systems); opposition from the workforce; and information security (restrictions on data storage and processing due to the risks of cyber-attacks and competitive intelligence). Based on the author’s analysis, a concluded is made that the use of AI is a key tool for improving the efficiency of the mining industry and in the coming years AI will become an integral part of the end-to-end digital ecosystems of mining companies.

Keywords: mining companies, industrial safety, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, optimization of production processes

For citation: Balashov A.M. Artificial intelligence as a driver of economic development for mining companies in modern conditions. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(4):195–198. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-4-195-198

Article info

Received: 25.03.2026

Reviewed: 04.05.2026

Accepted: 18.05.2026

Information about the author

Alexey M. Balashov – Cand. Sci. (Econ.), Associate Professor at the Department of Information Systems and Digital Education, Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4264-2592; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

References

1. Kharitonova Yu.N., Kusraeva N.V. Digital transformation of life. In: Issledovanie razlichnykh napravlenii sovremennoi nauki: estestvennye i tekhnicheskie nauki: sb. materialov 28-i mezhdunar. ochno-zaochnoi nauch.-prakt. konf., g. Moskva, 17 maya 2023 g. M.: NITs «Imperiya»; 2023. T. 2. S. 119–122. (In Russ.)

2. Mottaeva A.B., Krupnov Yu.A., Mottaeva A.B. Digital platforms as drivers of sustainable economic development for mining companies. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(1):74–82. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-1-74-82

3. Sulimov M.Yu. Digital transformation in the Russian mining sector: specific features and strategic approaches. Russian Mining Industry. 2025;(4):104–108. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2025-4-104-108

4. Sopina N.V., Makkaeva R.S.A. Prospects for the implementation of neural networks and artificial intelligence in industrial production. Journal of Monetary Economics and Management. 2023;(3):222–227. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26118/2782-4586.2023.78.70.032

5. Goncharenko N. AI in mining and metallurgy: Russian practice. September 15, 2025. Available at: https://dprom.online/mtindustry/ii-v-gornodobyche-i-metallurgii-rossijskaya-praktika/ (accessed: 01.03.2026). (In Russ.)

6. Ledovskaya E.D. Artificial intelligence versus automation: can neural networks replace human in creative industries. International Journal of Humanities and Natural Sciences. 2024;(5-1):246–248. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24412/2500-1000-2024-5-1-246-248

7. Larionova M.A., Babeshko V.N. Prospects for the use of artificial intelligence in light industry. International Research Journal. 2021;(7-1):89–92. (In Russ.) Available at: https://research-journal.org/archive/7-109-2021-july/perspektivy-primeneniya-iskusstvennogo-intellekta-v-legkoj-promyshlennosti (accessed: 01.03.2026).

8. Gogov R. AI in the extractive industry. October 16, 2025. Available at: https://companies.rbc.ru/news/2SisldDTG9/ii-v-dobyivayuschey-promyishlennosti/ (accessed: 11.02.2026). (In Russ.)

9. Gorodnova N.V. Application of artificial intelligence in the business sphere: current state and prospects. Russian Journal of Innovation Economics. 2021;11(4):1473–1492. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.18334/vinec.11.4.112249

10. Mikhailov S.S. Development of artificial intelligence: from middle of XX century to current technological advances. Science Bulletin. 2024;2(1):716–719. (In Russ.) Available at: https://www.вестник-науки.рф/article/12359 (accessed: 11.02.2026).