Delegates at the Future of Deep Mining 2019 conference, held in Toronto this week, may have expected to learn about only technological breakthroughs and cutting-edge innovations. But, while attendees at the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI) event certainly did hear about technology in the industry, much of what panelists and speakers discussed was how the human element will drive the future of the industry.

The five participating speakers at Thursday’s kickoff panel discussion, titled “Barriers to innovation in mining” and moderated by CEMI board of directors chair Roger Emdin, shared common ground, as each emphasized the importance of change management, process management and managing people’s expectations.