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Reducing Psychosocial Risks in the Era of Digital Technologies in Mining

Mining sector globally faces multi-faceted risks that reduce safety performance, increase accidents, harm physical and mental health, and weaken workplace culture. Advanced digital technologies have significant potential to mitigate risks and enhance worker experience across mining operations. However, same advancements can also disrupt the workplace by exacerbating existing risks or introducing new ones.

In our previous Digging Deeper project, we conducted a systematic literature review on the impact of technology implementation on health, safety, and psychosocial issues in the global mining workplace. The systematic review consolidated fragmented perspectives on the impact of mining technologies. It examined key technology categories and major themes related to implementation impacts, while also addressing the “how” by identifying key workplace changes. These fundamental changes at work serve as key mechanisms explaining the paradoxical outcomes in the mining workplace. Furthermore, it underscores that the effects of technological advancements depend on how these changes are managed and integrated. This integrative approach revealed nuanced insights into the complex nature of digital advancements in the mining industry.

Implications for the future of mining:

  • The value of technological advancements ultimately hinges on how workplace changes are managed and integrated.
  • Strategic planning should include comprehensive training and reskilling initiatives to bridge skills gaps and support workforce adaptability, enabling smooth transitions to new roles.
  • Integration efforts must follow human-centred principles, ensuring that technologies are designed with workers' experience and safety in mind by involving them in design and feedback processes, thereby fostering ownership and acceptance of new tools.
  • Continuous evaluation and feedback mechanisms are essential to ensure technology aligns with human factors over time.
  • A set of strategies to reduce emerging digital-technology risks has been developed and is being validated with WA mining professionals.
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