You know your operation can perform better.
The question is: where is the next improvement hiding?
New course | September 4
NEW COURSE:
Beyond the Hype
Practical AI & Analytics for Mining Operations
We made this course for mining professionals like you:
You know your operation could be running more effectively, but you're not sure where the biggest opportunities lie.
You're hearing more about AI and machine learning, but want to separate practical solutions from marketing hype.
You're responsible for making operational decisions and want to evaluate analytics investments with confidence.
You don't need to become a data scientist, but you want to understand what questions to ask, what results to expect, and where analytics can create measurable value.
You believe that better decisions start with a better understanding of your data.
No programming experience is required!
Just bring your operational knowledge and curiosity.
What You'll Walk Away With
After completing this course, you'll be able to:
Identify where AI can create real value in your operation—and where it can't.
Evaluate AI and analytics solutions with confidence, asking the right questions before investing.
Choose the right analytical approach for the problem you're trying to solve.
Recognize the data required for successful AI and analytics projects.
Develop a practical roadmap for turning operational data into measurable business improvements.
HERE’S WHAT YOU GET
Practical tools to help you move from data to measurable business outcomes.
6 HOURS
On-Demand Course Content
Work through six hours of content at your own pace, whenever and wherever it fits your schedule.
12-PAGE
Practical Workbook
Questions and exercises designed to help you turn your data into measurable business outcomes.
$349
Available September 4, 2026
Reviews from past Beyond the Hype courses
“I really liked the talk about implementing [real uses and datasets]. I will think differently about AI, data and implementation.”
“I thought that I was going to start on the path of AI, but I found out that I am already on the [analytical] ladder.”
“I wish there had been more tools like the analytical ladder. The breakdown + discussions were real good here. Real case studies was helpful to think about prospects + ideas of how these tools are being applied.”
“Really enjoyed the enthusiasm! Class showed me how much I don’t know”
“This was an excellent use of the day! Ashley + Alex are extremely smart, likeable, and lively.”
“Very informative! Worth it!”
Meet Your Instructors
Ashley Heida, Ph.D.
Ashley Heida is the founder of Analytical Mineset, a consultancy focused on transforming mining data into clear, actionable insights through advanced analytics. With a Ph.D. in Biological Design from Arizona State University, Ashley brings a systems-thinking approach to solving complex problems. Her academic background includes simulation development for data-driven decision-making, while her professional work spans mining operations, environmental risk analysis, and applied machine learning.
At Analytical Mineset, Ashley partners with mining software companies, operating sites, and environmental contractors to identify value drivers and optimize performance using existing datasets. She is particularly skilled at working across technical and business teams to uncover gaps in data use and identify new opportunities for innovation.
Ashley is passionate about making cutting-edge analytics accessible and practical for mining professionals. Her communication style focuses on demystifying complex methods and helping clients build internal confidence in data-driven decision-making. With deep respect for field expertise and a collaborative mindset, she aims to help the mining industry modernize responsibly and strategically.
Alex Bigelow, Ph.D.
Alex Bigelow is a Design Study Methodology expert, who researches how people think about, speak about, draw, and ask questions about data—and the hidden challenges and opportunities that arise when human creativity and data structures collide. He holds a PhD from the University of Utah in Computing: Data Management & Analysis, and has published in top-tier conferences and journals about what data analysis actually looks like in real life.
In industry, Alex has been on the bleeding edge of many of the latest AI innovations, especially with respect to their intersection with knowledge graphs—in addition to consulting for large international manufacturing clients, he was directly involved in the creation of flagship Stardog products (Designer, Explorer, Studio, and its LLM-powered Voicebox): balancing the use of AI where it makes sense, while also building tools that respect the important, vital roles that humans still play in the data analysis process.
