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Digital Transformation in the Mining and Metallurgical Sector: AI Improves Automation, Efficiency, and Safety, Promoting Sustainability and Optimization in Mining and Steelmaking.
During the 8th ABM Week, topics related to digital transformation in the mining and metallurgical sector were discussed, where Artificial Intelligence stood out. With the use of Artificial Intelligence, it was possible to achieve remarkable improvements in automation processes, increase efficiency, and ensure greater safety in operations, demonstrating considerable potential to revolutionize steelmaking and mining.
AI has brought clear advantages to the sector, optimizing resources and promoting more sustainable practices. Thanks to the application of advanced technologies like this, sustainability has become an increasingly tangible reality, positively impacting the entire mining and metallurgical ecosystem. These advancements allowed not only an increase in productivity but also a significant reduction in occupational risks.
According to ABI Research’s projection, global investments in digital technologies in the mining industry are expected to reach US$ 9.3 billion by 2030. Within the steelmaking and mining, Artificial Intelligence has been a crucial tool, bringing significant advances in both exploration and resource extraction. This has been made possible through the use of autonomous vehicles, advanced sensors, and machine learning algorithms. The frequent application of AI has contributed to making these processes more sustainable and safe.
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The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Steelmaking
In the field of steelmaking, AI is essential for optimizing production processes, as well as predicting possible equipment failures. The use of AI has also considerably improved the quality of final products. Recognizing the importance of these technological innovations, the Brazilian Association of Metallurgy, Materials, and Mining (ABM) organized four roundtables focused on Artificial Intelligence for the mining and metallurgical sector during its main annual event, the 8th ABM Week.
During the largest technical-scientific week in Latin America in the fields of metallurgy, materials, and mining, experts from both industry and academia discussed the latest innovations and the challenges faced in implementing AI in these sectors. Although AI has expanded rapidly, issues related to ethics in data usage emerge as one of the biggest challenges, especially regarding generative AIs.
Challenges of Artificial Intelligence and Ethics in Data Usage
According to experts participating in the event, one of the most mentioned risks is the importance of maintaining transparency and ethics in data collection and usage. Additionally, the need for in-depth research to ensure effectiveness and safety in the application of AI, especially in educational contexts, was widely debated. In many cases, factors that are invisible to algorithms can obscure and distort judgments and conclusions.
The roundtable ‘AI Applied to Product Development and Sustainability in Shaping Processes‘ was a highlight of the second day of ABM Week 2024. This discussion was part of the 59th Seminar on Metal Rolling and Forming, featuring speakers from ArcelorMittal, Usiminas, and VETTA, coordinated by consultants José Herbert Dolabela and Júlio César Enge.
AI and Sustainability in Shaping Processes
Jetson Lemos Ferreira, a researcher at ArcelorMittal, presented practical examples of the use of AI to predict complex defects and develop new types of steel. Giselle Miranda Bento, Information Intelligence Manager at Usiminas, discussed AI integration into the company’s production processes, promoting a data culture to optimize operations, such as annealing.
Lis Nunes Soares, Director of Energy Efficiency at VETTA, emphasized the importance of AI in increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Using advanced technologies to anticipate patterns and avoid excessive practical testing, she recognized that ‘When we talk about energy, we look in the rearview mirror; the event has already occurred. Therefore, the use of AI helps us identify behaviors and patterns to make the necessary adaptations.’ The insertion of AI within this data culture solidifies its strategic importance for daily decision-making, as highlighted by Giselle from Usiminas.
Perspectives and Challenges of Generative AIs
The roundtable ‘Perspectives and Challenges of Implementing Generative AI in Industry’ featured experts from Microsoft, Gerdau, EloGroup, and Deloitte. Coordinated by Renato Cesar Braga, Coordinator of Electrical Engineering and Automation at Vallourec South America, and Leandro Rodrigues Ramos, Process Automation and Control Specialist at ArcelorMittal, and moderated by Douglas Vieira, CEO of Enacom, the discussion emphasized the technical and ethical potential and challenges of AI in industry.
Francisco de Almeida, Data & AI Senior Manager at EloGroup, highlighted the economic impact of AI, which, according to his presentation, can generate annual values between $9.5 trillion and $26 trillion. Rodrigo Sarkis, Technical Strategist for Global Accounts at Microsoft, pointed out that AI can be a powerful tool for hyper personalization, applying in marketing and sales strategies, and co-pilot models for employees.
The Impact of ChatGPT and AI in the Workplace
Rodrigo mentioned the success of ChatGPT, the most used chatbot globally, which has surpassed 200 million users per week, warning about the careful use of AI: ‘Let us use human intelligence and prudence in developing interactions with generative applications.’
Rafael Guimarães, General Manager of Digital Portfolio at Gerdau, presented the company’s AI projects: Data4ALL, a platform with over 30 courses and 340 classes, already reaching more than 7,000 enrolled, and a chat assistant via Copilot to optimize daily tasks. João Zaiden, Head of Intelligent Assets at Deloitte, discussed the ethical issues of AI, stating that the solution must be strictly related to topics of interest, avoiding inaccurate responses.
AI in Mining and the Global Energy Transition
The roundtable ‘Artificial Intelligence in Mining’ discussed how AI can increase the competitiveness of the Brazilian mining industry and assist in the global energy transition. Moderated by Gisele Regina Hwang, an engineering specialist at Vale, the event brought together figures like Giorgio de Tomi from USP and Marcelo Tavares from COPPE/UFRJ. They debated the optimization of mining operations through AI, without undermining the importance of accumulated technical knowledge.
Carolina de Piero Bruno from Vale highlighted that human expertise is indispensable in processes involving safety. Giorgio de Tomi emphasized that Brazil has a tremendous opportunity to play a leading role in the global energy transition, using AI to make the mining industry more competitive. ‘The world is thirsty for minerals for the energy transition, and we can lead not only in supply but also in decarbonization’, said Giorgio.
Responsible Use of AI by Students
Artificial Intelligence is also not far from universities. During ABM Week, the roundtable ‘Use of AI by Students: Risks and Opportunities’ discussed the responsible use of AI by academics. Organized by the Technical Commission for Scientific and Technological Initiation, the event was moderated by Geraldo Lúcio de Faria from UFOP and coordinated by Willy Ank de Morais from Unisanta.
The debate included emerging talents like Guilherme Frederico Bernardo Lenz e Silva from USP and Weslei Monteiro Ambros from UFRGS. They warned that relying exclusively on AI to create materials from scratch can impair the learning process, compromising the development of critical skills and the independent problem-solving ability.
The Challenge of Digital Literacy
Digital literacy was also a crucial point discussed, highlighting that the challenge is not only in the use of AI but also in the lack of internet and technology access. Many people still face limitations in this access, skipping essential steps in the ongoing technological development.
About the 8th ABM Week:
Annually held by the Brazilian Association of Metallurgy, Materials, and Mining (ABM), ABM Week is the main technical-scientific event in Latin America, focused on discussing the latest innovations and challenges faced by the industry. In its 8th edition, ArcelorMittal hosted the event, which featured important sponsors such as DME Engenharia, Gerdau, Vale, CBMM, among others. The conference gathered renowned professionals, researchers, and companies dedicated to exploring the economic potential of AI, automation and process control, and energy efficiency to promote advancements in steelmaking and mining.
Source: Ariely Polidoro
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