Advances in artificial intelligence are transforming the way professionals who will lead the mining industry of the future are educated, said Jef Caers, Professor at Stanford University, during the panel “Talent Focus for the Next Decade” at the World Mining Congress 2026.
During his presentation, the academic noted that universities must adapt to a landscape in which technology is increasingly capable of solving complex tasks, forcing institutions to rethink the skills future generations will need.
According to Caers, the challenge is no longer simply to transfer technical knowledge or teach mechanical processes, but to develop the ability to understand problems.
“Students can use AI to do that, but what we need to know is: Why do we need to solve the problem?” he said.
Caers explained that this shift is leading academic institutions to place greater emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking, rather than relying exclusively on traditional models centered on technical specialization.
“To solve real-world problems, we need to start thinking in different ways,” he stated.
Silicon Valley is looking at mining again
In this context, Caers highlighted that Stanford University has renewed its interest in mining through new academic programs aimed at developing talent for an industry undergoing significant transformation.
“Stanford University started as a mining school. Mining disappeared in the late 1990s, and now we are returning to mining. So, Silicon Valley is coming back to mining,” he said.
According to Caers, many students are attracted by the opportunity to apply emerging technologies and develop innovative solutions for the industry.
Caers’ remarks were part of a session focused on how to attract and develop the talent the mining industry will require over the next decade. The final day of plenary sessions at the World Mining Congress 2026 will take place on Friday, June 26, at the Lima Convention Center.
