Signal A fifth of mining companies plan a fifth increase in AI spend for 2026

Summary

This signal shows mining companies starting to invest more in AI to tackle falling productivity. EY reports that 21% of mining firms intend to increase their AI spending by roughly 20% in 2026. Their priorities are data transformation, asset management and applications critical to safety. The emphasis goes beyond automation toward better decisions and coordination across operations. The move comes as labor and capital productivity decline in major mining regions because of lower ore grades, greater complexity and fragmented operating models. EY argues that trusted data is a precondition for lasting digital gains, and that productivity is essential to protecting returns as mines grow deeper and more capital-intensive.