The Intersection of AI & Heavy Industry

Artificial intelligence is reshaping mining and construction—streamlining operations, enhancing safety, and preventing costly disputes. But how does AI integrate into an industry that has long relied on traditional processes?

In the first episode of the Hevi AI Podcast, Paul Culvenor sits down with Brad Gyngell, mining engineer, AI entrepreneur, and Hevi co-founder. Together, they discuss AI-driven contract management, automation in mining, and the future of industrial AI solutions.

From Mining Engineering to AI-Driven Innovation

Brad’s career started in mining engineering, where he specialized in drill and blast operations. His transition into AI and software was driven by a need to solve real-world problems he faced on-site.

"I moved into AI to solve the challenges I encountered as an engineer—turning data into decisions, optimizing blast operations, and improving safety." — Brad Gyngell

Brad co-founded Strayos, an AI-powered blast optimization platform, before joining forces with Paul to launch Hevi, an AI-powered contract administration platform for heavy industry.

Why AI in Mining & Construction?

• Complex Contracts & Compliance Issues: Many projects struggle with contract administration, leading to missed claims, costly disputes, and financial losses.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: AI can analyze contracts, detect risks, and automate administrative tasks, reducing human error.
• Automation & Workforce Challenges: With a growing skills shortage in mining, autonomous systems are becoming essential for efficiency and safety.

Solving the Biggest Challenge: Contract Administration in Heavy Industry

One of the biggest inefficiencies in mining and construction is contract mismanagement—leading to disputes, delays, and financial losses.

Hevi was built to prevent these costly mistakes by offering:

✅ AI-Powered Contract Insights: Instantly retrieve critical contract terms, deadlines, and compliance requirements.
✅ Automated Claim Management: AI detects missed claims and variations—ensuring contractors are paid fairly.
✅ Risk Monitoring & Early Issue Detection: AI scans daily reports, emails, and site communications to flag potential issues before they escalate.

"Contract management should be proactive, not reactive. AI can help contractors and clients stay ahead of disputes, ensuring projects run smoothly." — Paul Culvenor

Case Study: Preventing a $400K Loss with AI

In one instance, an underground gold mine using Hevi identified a latent condition claim worth $400K—a claim that would have been lost due to contract complexities.

• Hevi’s AI Monitor flagged the issue in site reports.
• AI Chat confirmed the 7-day notification requirement.
• A compliant claim letter was auto-generated—ensuring timely submission and successful recovery.

Without AI, the contractor would have lost $400K.

The Future of AI in Mining & Construction

Where is AI Taking the Industry?

The industry is shifting towards:

• Autonomous Mining: AI-driven equipment, from self-operating trucks to smart drilling systems, is reducing reliance on manual labor.
• Digital Twins & Industrial IoT: Real-time digital replicas of mine sites enable AI-driven decision-making.
• Sustainable Mining Practices: AI is optimizing energy use, water management, and waste reduction, supporting ESG goals.

“The next evolution of AI in mining will be full-scale automation of contract administration, ensuring projects run profitably with minimal disputes.” — Brad Gyngell

Closing Thoughts & Call to Action

AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s actively transforming mining and construction. Companies that embrace AI-powered tools like Hevi will gain a competitive advantage, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and financial success.

🚀 Want to see how Hevi can improve your contract management?
📅 Book a demo today at https://calendly.com/paulculvenor/30min

🔊 Listen to the full podcast on
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7xHfbm5yfYZPAiLeiLCCDL?si=7IgY3YJ5QEq0XIUdp8tQHg
YouTube: https://youtu.be/V2Ld-6ZrzxU
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