Advanced Analytics in Mining Engineering Leverage Advanced Analytics in Mining Industry to Make Better Business Decisions

Dr. Ali Soofastaei
 is a program leader at artificial intelligence Centre in Vale. Vale is a multinational corporation engaged in metals and mining and is one of the world’s foremost producers of iron ore and the largest producer of nickel. Dr Soofastaei uses innovative models based on artificial intelligence (AI) methods to improve safety, productivity, energy efficiency and to reduce maintenance costs. Ali holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and has an in-depth understanding of energy management (EM) and equipment maintenance solutions (EMS). The extensive research he conducted on AI and value engineering (VE) methods while completing his Master of Engineering also led him to acquire expertise in the application of advanced analytics in EM and EMS. Dr. Soofastaei completed his Ph.D. at The University of Queensland in AI applications in mining engineering. He led a revolution in using deep learning and AI methods to increase energy efficiency, reduce operation and maintenance costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in surface mines. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Assistant Professor, Ali has provided practical guidance to undergraduate and postgraduate students in mechanical and mining engineering and information technology. In the past 15 years, Dr Soofastaei has conducted a variety of research studies in academic and industrial environments. He has acquired an in-depth knowledge of energy efficiency opportunities (EEO), VE and advanced analytics. He is an expert at using deep learning (DL) and AI methods in data analysis to develop predictive and optimization models of complex systems. Dr Soofastaei has been involved in industrial research and development projects in several industries: Oil and Gas (Royal Dutch Shell Co); Steel (Danieli Co) and Mining (BHP, Rio Tinto, Anglo American and Vale), and his extensive practical experience in industry has equipped him to work with complex industrial problems in highly technical and multidisciplinary teams. As Member of Research and Development Teams, Dr Soofastaei has been actively involved in site inspections, business problem identification and root cause analysis. He has experience in managing brainstorming sessions with operators, supervisors, managers and OEMs in the areas of automation (e.g. with electrical and computer systems engineers), maintenance (e.g. with mechanical engineers and maintenance supervisors) and production experts (e.g. process engineers and metallurgists). Dr Soofastaei has more than ten years of academic experience as Assistant Professor and Leader of global research activities. Results of Ali’s research and development projects have been published in ISI journals and books. As a Keynote Speaker, Ali has presented his practical achievements at conferences in America, Europe, Asia and Australia.