Technology adoption in the Canadian mining sector: A systematic scoping review

Abstract

As the Canadian mining sector adopts new technologies, such as autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence, there is the potential to reshape the future of work and the development of mining in Canada, impacting surrounding communities and regions. However, knowledge identified in the literature about the current trends, drivers, and barriers for the adoption of emerging technologies in the Canadian mining sector is limited and presents a clear research gap. This article reports on the findings of a non-traditional systematic scoping review focused on understanding current trends in technology adoption. More specifically, our team reviewed articles in the Canadian Mining Journal, a trade journal specific to our study area, to assess the main drivers, barriers, and opportunities for technology adoption in the Canadian context. Through this research, we have discovered that multiple drivers exist in the adoption of new technologies such as to increase productivity/efficiency, improve worker health and safety, and to increase sustainability. Although barriers were not as explicit, there were also concrete challenges to adopting new technologies identified such as mining culture and attitudes, technology and infrastructure challenges, and implementation challenges. Our research also highlights the need to adapt existing technology adoption theories to account for industry-specific factors such as the importance of health and safety. Additionally, this research provides insights for mining companies, technology providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to develop strategies that support technology adoption and innovation in the mining sector.