Figure 4 – Respondents’ Agreement That the Mining Industry Is “Technologically Advanced” However, when comparing technology-driven industries with traditional engineering-based industries, more than half of the respondents indicated a stronger preference for technology-driven sectors. 31% of respondents expressed interest in a combination of both, while fewer than 10% reported no clear preference. Qualitative responses note that although students recognize the continued importance of traditional engineering disciplines, they perceive technology-driven sectors as evolving more rapidly and offering a clearer pathway for innovation and career progression. These findings suggest that although technological progress within mining is recognized by some students, the sector has not yet established a strong identity as a digitally progressive industry. This perception gap may limit its competitiveness in attracting technology-oriented talent. Figure 5 – Preferences for Career Trajectories and Type of Industry 4.4 AI Usage Among College Students Surveyed student responses indicate high levels of regular engagement with AI-based tools. More than 80% of respondents reported using AI-based tools at least three days per week, with 28% indicating usage on six or more days per week. Qualitative data revealed that usage 100
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