Another great WA Mining Club, Miners’ Mingle Event!
The panel discussion was on AI and whether it was actually impactful.
Two points that stuck out for which I agree with strongly:
This is so true, at Connected Mine we leverage AI to help build our products but we don’t use it to tell us “what” to build. That only comes from a solid understanding of the user problem – which can only come from boots on the ground on a mine site.
This is a very well articulated insight that I never considered until now. Given the current size of our business, I won’t risk hiring a graduate developer, they don’t know enough and can go off the rails with AI. The cost/benefit of a senior developer (6-10+ years experience) who knows the fundamentals well and can leverage AI outcompetes a grad on multiple levels. I don’t think the disparity would be so large without AI.
I don’t like events that are bland and full of corporate jargon where lots of words are spoken but little is said – this was definitely not that.
– Dale Murugan, Emerging Professionals Advisory Committee Member
AI love it or hate it is now a part of our everyday lives.
Our recent WA Mining Club club Miners’ Mingle sparked a dynamic and thought-provoking discussion around the role of AI across the mining industry, from company record management and writing programs to education and workplace efficiency.
It was particularly interesting hearing perspectives from both sides of the table. Daniel Cash shared valuable insights around the opportunities AI presents, while also acknowledging concerns many young professionals have about how AI may impact junior roles and those “entry-level” tasks that help us learn and develop. At the same time, Mark O’Brien made a great point AI doesn’t actually “know” what a ball is; it only knows what we tell it and what information is available to it.
The panel also explored AI in education, with Dr Peta Chirgwin, GAICD sharing valuable insights into how AI should be viewed as a tool something we need to learn how to use effectively and responsibly to improve efficiency, rather than fear.
A huge thank you to our fantastic MC Robbie Figg for bringing the conversation together so well, and to our panelists for sharing such honest and insightful perspectives.
As always, it was great catching up with familiar faces, meeting new people, and seeing our Emerging Professionals community continue to grow. If you’ve ever had questions about becoming a member or getting involved with the club and future events, feel free to reach out! See you all at the Energy debate in August!
The WA Mining Club Emerging Professionals aspires to drive diversification and innovation within the mining industry, through creation of a forum that supports development and retention of young professionals. We will establish a career-long network of individuals who are building their careers in mining.
Members of the WA Mining Club receive access to a broad range of industry speakers, who discuss technical, operational, legislative and regulatory matters, as well as sharing thoughts on the broader industry.
Our monthly luncheons are regularly attended by in excess of 300 members, all eager to listen, talk and share information about their experiences with their industry peers.
Being a member of the WA Mining Club provides the very best opportunity around to meet other industry professionals and discuss topical issues, challenges and innovations with others across the spectrum of the Western Australian mining industry.
