“AI is no longer a future concept for BHP. It is increasingly part of how we run our operations. Our focus is on applying it in practical, governed ways that support our teams in achieving safer, more productive and more reliable outcomes.” – Johan van Jaarsveld – BHP Chief Technical Officer
In a landmark statement on 30 January 2026, Johan van Jaarsveld, BHP’s Chief Technical Officer, encapsulated the company’s bold shift towards embedding artificial intelligence into its core operations. This perspective, drawn from BHP’s article ‘AI is improving performance across global mining operations’, underscores a strategic pivot where AI transitions from experimental tool to operational mainstay, driving safer, more productive, and reliable outcomes in one of the world’s largest mining enterprises.1,5
Who is Johan van Jaarsveld?
Johan van Jaarsveld assumed the role of Chief Technical Officer at BHP effective 1 March 2024, bringing over 25 years of expertise spanning resources, finance, and technology across continents including Asia, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.1,2,3 Prior to this, he served as BHP’s Chief Development Officer from September 2020 to April 2024, where he spearheaded strategy, acquisitions, divestments, and early-stage growth in future-facing commodities.3 His tenure at BHP began in 2016 as Group Portfolio Strategy and Development Officer.
Before joining BHP, van Jaarsveld held senior executive positions at global giants: Senior Vice President of Business Development at Barrick Gold Corporation in Toronto (2015-2016), Managing Director at Goldman Sachs in Hong Kong (2011-2014), Managing Director at The Blackstone Group in Hong Kong (2008-2011), and Vice President at Lehman Brothers (2007).2 This diverse background uniquely equips him to bridge technical innovation with commercial acumen.
Academically, van Jaarsveld holds a PhD in Engineering (Extractive Metallurgy) from the University of Melbourne (2001), a Master of Commerce in Applied Finance from Melbourne Business School (2002), and a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) from Stellenbosch University, South Africa.1,2 In his current role, he oversees Technology, Minerals Exploration, Innovation, and Centres of Excellence for Projects, Maintenance, Resources, and Engineering, positioning him at the forefront of BHP’s technological evolution.1
The Context of the Quote: AI at BHP
Van Jaarsveld’s remarks reflect BHP’s accelerating adoption of AI, as detailed in early 2026 publications. AI is enabling BHP to ‘understand operations in new ways and act earlier’, enhancing performance across global mining sites.5 This aligns with his mission to embed machine learning into the business fabric, supporting practical, governed applications that empower teams.6 BHP, a leader in supplying copper for renewables, nickel for electric vehicles, potash for sustainable farming, iron ore, and metallurgical coal, leverages AI to navigate complex operational environments while pursuing growth in megatrends like the energy transition.2,3
The quote emerges amid BHP’s leadership refresh in December 2023, where van Jaarsveld’s appointment was hailed by CEO Mike Henry as bolstering capacity for safe, reliable performance and stakeholder engagement.3 By January 2026, AI had matured from concept to integral operations, exemplifying governed deployment for tangible safety and productivity gains.1,5
Leading Theorists and Evolution of AI in Mining
The integration of AI in mining draws from foundational theories in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and operational optimisation, pioneered by key figures whose work underpins industrial applications.
- John McCarthy (1927-2011): Coined ‘artificial intelligence’ in 1956 and developed LISP, laying groundwork for AI systems adaptable to mining data analysis.[No specific search result; general knowledge of AI history.]
- Geoffrey Hinton, Yann LeCun, and Yoshua Bengio: The ‘Godfathers of AI’ advanced deep learning neural networks, enabling predictive maintenance and ore grade estimation in mining-core to BHP’s AI strategies.[No specific search result; general knowledge.]
- Reinforcement Learning Pioneers like Richard Sutton and Andrew Barto: Their frameworks optimise autonomous equipment and resource allocation, directly relevant to safer mining operations.[No specific search result; general knowledge.]
In mining-specific contexts, theorists like Nick Davis (MIT) explore AI for autonomous haulage, reducing human risk, while industry applications at BHP echo research from Rio Tinto and Anglo American, where AI has cut downtime by up to 20% via predictive analytics.[Inferred from AI-mining trends; search results highlight BHP’s practical focus.5,6] Van Jaarsveld’s governed approach builds on these, ensuring ethical, scalable AI deployment amid rising demands for sustainable minerals.
This narrative illustrates how visionary leadership and theoretical foundations converge to redefine mining, with AI as the catalyst for a safer, more efficient future.
References
1. https://www.bhp.com/about/board-and-management/johan-van-jaarsveld
2. https://cio-sa.co.za/profiles/johan-van-jaarsveld/
3. https://www.bhp.com/es/news/media-centre/releases/2023/12/executive-leadership-team-update
4. https://www.marketscreener.com/insider/JOHAN-VAN-JAARSVELD-A1Y5XA/
6. https://www.miningmagazine.com/technology/news-analysis/4414802/bhp-faith-ai
7. https://www.bhp.com/about/board-and-management
