Avathon, a provider of Physical AI for industrial operations, says Barrick’s North American business has selected its Autonomy Platform as a strategic technology partner to advance AI-driven operations across its mining value chain.
The partnership will connect data, operational knowledge and AI intelligence across exploration, mine planning, safety, production, processing, maintenance and supply chain activities. Avathon says its Physical AI technology will continuously analyse operating conditions, identify risks and opportunities, support decision-making and enable action across critical mining operations.
Avathon Chief Executive Officer Pervinder Johar said the partnership represents a shift from siloed digital systems towards an integrated, AI-enabled operating model. He said connecting operational data and expertise could support safer operations, higher productivity, improved recovery and stronger returns.
The platform provides a common intelligence layer across operational systems and data sources. Avathon’s Computational Knowledge Graph connects assets, processes, people, constraints and operational data, while AI agents use this context to support decisions and coordinate workflows, the company says.
Initial applications are expected to include safety monitoring, production and recovery optimisation, asset reliability, supply chain intelligence, mine planning, and exploration and growth.
In safety, computer vision and AI-based monitoring will be used to identify hazardous conditions and unsafe behaviours, enabling earlier intervention. Production applications will connect ore flow, processing decisions, maintenance activities and operating constraints to improve recovery, reduce variability and increase throughput.
For asset reliability, the platform will monitor equipment health, predict potential failures and recommend maintenance actions to reduce unplanned downtime. Supply chain applications will connect asset health, maintenance schedules, inventory, supplier performance and demand forecasts to improve material readiness and optimise working capital.
AI will also be applied to mine planning and scheduling by analysing operational data and constraints, while machine learning will support exploration decisions by combining geological, operational and production data.
Mark Hill, President and Chief Executive Officer of Barrick, said AI could help transform how mining operations are managed while enabling employees to make better and safer decisions. He said combining mining expertise with AI could improve safety, recovery, productivity, reliability and supply chain performance.
Avathon says its approach combines AI capabilities with human expertise. The platform provides continuous analysis, prediction, reasoning and decision support, while Barrick’s mining professionals retain operational judgement, accountability and control. Governance measures and safeguards are also intended to support responsible deployment and appropriate human oversight as the technology develops.