2540 Figure 1 Plot of copper demand and production versus time (S&P Global, 2026) The gap is unlikely to be filled by new projects, given the paucity of recent discoveries (Figure 2) and the time required for discoveries to reach production (15 to 25 years). By 2035, the mining industry must undergo a major transformation to meet the rapidly growing demand for metals driven by global electrification and the expansion of energy-intensive sectors such as data centres. This will require mines operate as fully integrated, intelligent systems in which digital technologies, automation, and advanced analytics enable faster decision-making, higher recovery rates, and more consistent performance. Projects to move from concept to operation more quickly thanks to streamlined governance, permitting, and strong collaborations with communities and regulators. Mining companies earn trust by contributing to regional development, environmental stewardship, and local employment. Overall, productivity gains come not from minor improvements but from a complete redesign of mining systems that balance speed, scale, and responsibility. Figure 2 Selected copper discoveries 1985 to 2025, (S&P Global, 2026) Lagos et al. (2026) found that 70% of mining projects fail to meet the value proposition at the time of investment, with 21% of the projects analysed experiencing a 21% cost overrun and a mean delay of 3.3 years in the production start date. Cost overruns and project delays erode project value and public confidence. Location is also an important factor, with more remote projects experiencing greater overruns
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