Sustainable innovation in underground hardrock mining technology

摘要

Canadian leadership in a global mining context will depend not only on our entrepreneurship and best practice, but also in sustaining technological innovation. This paper reviews the nature of technological innovation and examines its link to productivity and competitiveness. It then examines how the ability to innovate is strongly influenced by corporate culture and user resistance. This is based on a review of the past research that has been useful in defining the nature and role of corporate culture. An argument is made for more ambition and commitment to R&D for technological innovation in Canadian mining. It focuses on underground hardrock mining, where technological advances have been disappointing despite some significant R&D initiatives in the last 30 years. The paper reviews and analyzes a significant question: why have these R&D initiatives not stood the test of time? Concerns arise because industry's commitment to R&D has not been consistent over time. Innovation through exploration, processing, and environmental technologies, on the other hand, has been much more significant. The paper examines some corporate models that have achieved sustainable innovation, along with some that have not. Particular reference is given to the Scandinavian prowess in sustaining technological innovation that has resulted in significant business development. Important factors that appear to explain the likelihood of success in technology development and transfer are corporate culture and user acceptance.