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Exploration Radio

#11 - Are WE the barrier to innovation?

Apr 25, 2018
Bruce McDonald, Executive VP of Global Geochemistry for ALS Limited, discusses the paradox of innovation in the mining industry. He highlights how companies are often their own barriers to adopting new technologies. McDonald contrasts the roles of mining firms and service providers, showing how the latter drive innovation. The conversation delves into the impact of globalization, the evolution of service providers, and the crucial need for internal innovation amidst economic constraints. Ultimately, he urges rethinking strategies to translate data into actionable insights.
39:01

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Quick takeaways

  • The shift towards outsourcing technological solutions in the mining industry has created dependency on service providers, impacting innovation delivery.
  • Economic pressures and a focus on cost-cutting have hindered mining companies' willingness to adopt new technologies, stifling progress in the sector.

Deep dives

Shift in Technical Expertise

Companies in the mining industry have transitioned from developing in-house technical expertise to increasingly relying on service providers for technological solutions. In the past, this self-reliance enabled companies to directly benefit from innovations developed internally. However, with the shift towards outsourcing, service providers now play a crucial role in delivering these innovations, leading to a degree of dependence on their expertise. This change prompts a critical evaluation of how well mining companies have integrated and supported their service providers.

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