Building an innovation strategy and culture on the structural characteristics of the mining industries

The mining industry is on the verge of a new era. Mine project planning, mine design and operations, and mine management in relation to the mining of commodities that are demanded across a multitude of industries require new sustainable mining, finance, and organizational structures and strategies. In the new era, the mining industry will be called upon to be the raw material supplier to emerging renewables, electro-mobility, and space sectors. In line with this shift, the breadth and depth of innovation in the mineral industries will also change. Therefore, first and foremost, mining corporations need to develop an innovation strategy. This article examines the ground upon which innovation will be built. First, the structural characteristics of the mining industry that affect innovativeness are analyzed. Then, it is speculated how an innovation strategy and culture can be developed on the basis of these structural characteristics. Finally, the survey results that applied to mining industry professionals about their perceptions and priorities regarding innovation are presented. The survey categorized innovation areas into five categories and three sub-categories and measured whether perception and prioritization of innovation within these categories have kept pace with the direction of the innovation strategy is analyzed. •The mining industry has structural characteristics affecting innovation.•Capacity increase due to the economies of scale may not result in adverse effects.•It needs innovation strategy and culture considering these characteristics.•Professionals' perception does not capture innovation dynamics as a whole.•The industry needs specific innovation metrics.