Program Leader
Newmont
Dr. Ali Soofastaei is a PhD-qualified technology leader specializing in AI, advanced analytics, and full-stack data governance for mining and industrial operations. With a career spanning global operators and technology-driven transformation programs, Ali is known for turning complex data and operational challenges into practical, scalable solutions that improve decision-making, productivity, safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability performance.
Ali brings a rare combination of scientific rigor and operational delivery. He earned his PhD (Information Technology) from the University of Queensland (Brisbane, Australia) and holds engineering degrees from Johns Hopkins University (USA). His work has consistently focused on bridging strategy and execution—helping leadership teams align on value, while enabling frontline adoption through fit-for-purpose tools, workflows, and governance.
Across senior roles with Newmont (Program Leader – Data & Analytics), Vale (Global Program Leader – Advanced Analytics), BHP, CRC Mining, and Shell, Ali has led large-scale, cross-functional initiatives covering the end-to-end mining value chain. His expertise includes digital transformation roadmaps, analytics operating models, KPI and value-driver frameworks, industrial data architecture, and deployment of AI/ML solutions in real operational environments. He frequently works with diverse stakeholders—executives, engineers, operators, OEMs, and research partners—to build consensus and deliver outcomes at scale.
As a keynote speaker, Ali focuses on the next practical frontier of mining digitalization: moving beyond isolated pilots into enterprise-grade AI adoption, governed data foundations, and measurable value realization. His talks often explore topics such as AI-enabled productivity and energy optimization, responsible use of AI agents in operational decision-making, mine-to-mill integration, and how to design transformation programs that succeed technically and culturally.
Ali is recognized as a data storyteller and change leader, with a strong track record of helping organizations convert analytics into trusted decisions—and trusted decisions into sustained performance.
Reforming for Value: Building Investment-Grade AI and Digital Trust Across Kazakhstan’s Mining Value Chain
Kazakhstan’s mining sector is entering a new chapter where “value” is no longer defined only by ore grades or capital access, but by speed of decision-making, cost competitiveness, energy intensity, transparency, and investability. In a multi-vector environment—shaped by evolving regulation, taxation, supply-chain realignment, and rising stakeholder expectations—the winning operators will be those who can convert reform into measurable performance.
This keynote presents a practical blueprint for investment-grade AI: AI systems that are not only accurate, but auditable, governed, secure, and trusted across the full mining value chain—from exploration targeting and resource definition to planning, fleet productivity, processing performance, maintenance reliability, and product quality. The talk introduces a “digital trust stack” that connects four layers: (1) data foundations (standards, lineage, quality, and cyber controls), (2) decision intelligence (value-driver trees, KPI harmonization, and causal measurement), (3) deployment at scale (MLOps, edge/OT integration, and change management), and (4) assurance and transparency (model risk management, independent validation, and explainability suitable for boards, regulators, and financiers).
Through real-world mining examples, the session shows how to prioritize high-impact use cases—fuel and energy optimization, throughput stability, predictive maintenance, and ore-to-product reconciliation—while avoiding common failure modes (pilot purgatory, fragmented data ownership, and “black-box” models). The takeaway is a clear pathway to build AI programs that survive scrutiny, accelerate productivity, reduce energy per tonne, and strengthen investor confidence—turning reform into durable, compounding value for Kazakhstan’s mining future.
