State of Play

We recently surveyed the #mining industry about their views on #change #management, particularly in relation to mine electrification. The findings of that project have now been published - check out the sneak peek below or download the full report for free at https://lnkd.in/gnxjF_NV ⚡

This week we farewell State of Play’s Director, Lisa Harwood (nee Tidy). For two years, Lisa has planned and delivered our surveys (including the major jobs of soliciting responses and validating the data), written articles and reports, run events, managed the SOP team, overseen our marketing and social media, and organised plenty of office morning teas. She’ll be sorely missed, but we thank her for a job thoroughly well done and wish her every success in her new role.

In the late 19th century, mining operations began to embrace electricity, seeking a more efficient and safer alternative to coal-powered steam engines. This early adoption of electric power transformed mines, bringing electric lights, machinery, and enhanced ventilation systems, creating a safer and more productive environment. However, as the 20th century progressed, the landscape of mining technology shifted dramatically. The demand for greater mobility, flexibility, and efficiency led to the widespread adoption of diesel engines. Fast forward to the modern era, where technological advancements and the mounting pressure to reduce carbon emissions have reignited interest in electrification. Today, the market boasts battery-electric haul trucks, drills, explosives, conveyors, and light towers. Despite this progress, diesel-powered vehicles still accounts for a large portion of a mine's total energy consumption. Our latest article, written by our intern Brian Joo, examines the rise of modern electrification, the catalysts which have spurred recent progress and the challenges which still lie ahead when it comes to achieving full electrification. You can read it here: https://lnkd.in/gUrnrWrh #electrification #decarbonisation #mining #miningindustry #technology

In our recent reports, we explored the large-scale drivers impacting the mining industry and the way its people make decisions on strategy, innovation and organisational architecture. We know the industry must transform under growing pressure to decarbonise and that technological advancements are paving the way for industry disruption. We also know that the way value chains are designed and operated will change, as will the role of people and their structures within an organisation. What we don’t know is what those changes will ultimately look like in practice. While the purpose of a business might stay the same, the way it operates will change substantially. This thought process has fostered a series of ideas, which have evolved into our latest paper, Mining Reimagined: Future business architectures. The paper explores what large changes are likely to transpire within three business types: an explorer, an operator and a processor. These shifts have been developed through the lens of large industry drivers which are taking place and the foundational elements, such as partnerships, technology and people, which constitute a business. The result is a set of potential changes to business architecture we hope inspires you to think critically about the future of the industry and what your business strategy may look like. This paper would not be possible without the support of the broader industry, whether that be through the completion of our surveys, being involved in an interview or participation in our workshops- thank you! You can download the paper here: https://lnkd.in/gvHB9PtS #stateofplay #mining #miningindustry #businessmodels #explorer #processor #strategy #innovation

Yesterday's announcement that BHP will suspend nickel mining, including operations at Nickel West and its West Musgrave project, won't come as a surprise to many. Since the beginning of 2024, the Australian nickel market has struggled, impacted significantly by the global oversupply of nickel that has stemmed from Chinese-backed producers mining in Indonesia. Earlier in the year we wrote an article on the nickel market dynamics at play, including the role of scenario planning when it came to predicting demand and supply drivers. Much of what has been written still holds true. You can read it here: https://lnkd.in/g63pyJNX #mining #miningindustry #nickel #scenarioplanning

How would you describe your workforce’s capability to electrify? As respondents begin to roll in, we are starting to see some initial insights emerge in our change management survey in collaboration with the Electric Mine Consortium. Many of those who answered 'weak' when it came to capability mentioned it was because of a lack of skills, with one person stating 'The "on the ground" skills to electrify don't exist yet.' Do you agree? Let us know below 👇 And if you are yet to fill out the survey, you can do so here: https://lnkd.in/g9KiCAVM #survey #electrification #changemanagement #data #mining #miningindustry

What skills are most likely to impede effective management of the change to electric operations? Our latest survey, in partnership with the Electric Mine Consortium, is looking to uncover the complexities of change management for mine electrification. You can complete the survey here: https://lnkd.in/g9KiCAVM #electrification #decarbonisation #electricmine #changemanagement

In June, we celebrate the International Day of Women in Mining. At State of Play, we are privileged to have the chance to work with and interview some of the trailblazing women that work in the global mining industry. Each of them pave the way for young girls to look at the industry and see a place where they belong. A few months ago we had the chance to interview numerous leaders in industry on diversity in mining. If you are yet to read our article, you can access it here: https://lnkd.in/gBTFbSeu #idwim2024 #mining #miningindustry #diversity #womeninmining

“There’s a big gap in understanding of strategic innovation in heavy industry. Most analysis refers to industries where the focus is speed and lower capital, and are not as connected with the community. That’s quite a different dynamic to resources.” Shoutout to CSIRO for their latest article on our two recent reports (and for being a long time supporter of State of Play). You can check out what our founder, Graeme Stanway, long time supporter Adrian Beer of METS Ignited Australia Ltd, and CSIRO's Discovery Research Director, Sandra Occhipinti, have to say about the future of the mining industry in the article below 👇 Are you yet to read our latest reports? You can check out The State of Play: Mining strategy in a changing world here: https://lnkd.in/gAe7fZvV or have a read of Unearthing Tomorrow: Trends shaping the future of mining here: https://lnkd.in/gFdgKjUz #mining #miningindustry #innovation #strategy #technology #greenpremium #energy #energytransition #stateofplay

How would you describe your workforce’s capability to electrify? Our latest survey, in partnership with the Electric Mine Consortium, on change management for mine electrification is live! We are looking to uncover the complexities of embedding change, like electric technology, in the mining industry. You can complete the survey here: https://lnkd.in/g9KiCAVM #mining #miningindustry #changemanagement #electrification #electricmine #people #technology