Resources

eResearch has published a 30-page Industry Report on copper mining in BC’s Quesnel Trough, analyzing 26 companies ranging from senior producers to early-stage explorers. The report highlights copper’s growing strategic importance as a critical mineral in Canada and the US, driven by AI datacenter infrastructure, EV adoption, and power grid modernization. With the IEA forecasting a 30% supply deficit by 2035, BC’s Quesnel Trough, host to major mines including Highland Valley Copper, Copper Mountain, and Mount Milligan, is positioned as a key supplier to North America’s domestic copper supply chain. [more]

BHP’s artificial intelligence (AI) mining strategy centers on execution, not technology alone. At PDAC 2026, Mikko Tepponen outlined how data integration, AI, and system-level platforms are reshaping mining decisions from exploration to operations. As ore bodies become deeper and more complex, and demand for critical minerals rises, BHP is prioritizing faster decision cycles, improved capital allocation, and operational stability. Key initiatives include centralized exploration data platforms, computer vision in iron ore operations, and digital twins at Escondida. The company reports over US$2 billion in value from digital initiatives, but emphasizes that scalable execution and integrated systems will define long-term competitive advantage. [more]