A new survey by Seequent, the Bentley Subsurface company, reveals that mining and civil geoprofessionals spend nearly a quarter of their time managing data, despite recognizing its critical importance. The 7th Geoprofessionals Data Management Report, based on responses from over 1,000 professionals worldwide, highlights growing frustration with fragmented data systems, poor integration across platforms, and the lack of centralized data governance. Geoprofessionals across both sectors emphasize that data is the core asset driving decisions—from exploration and mine planning to infrastructure design and environmental management. In mining, 80% rate data management as highly or critically important, yet nearly one-third of their time is consumed by data administration tasks. Only 39% of mining organizations have a formal data management framework in place, creating a gap between ambition and execution. In civil infrastructure, 69% of geoprofessionals consider data management to be of high or critical importance. Despite this, over 20% of their workweek is spent on data handling, and just 41% have a defined framework. Only 30% maintain a formal data chain of custody, undermining data integrity and traceability. Despite these challenges, interest in artificial intelligence is rising rapidly. Globally, 51% of organizations are now using or actively considering AI—up from 30% just two years ago. This shift reflects a strong desire to leverage data for innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. However, experts warn that AI cannot deliver its full potential without robust data foundations. Angela Harvey, Chief Customer Officer at Seequent, said that while geoprofessionals are eager to unlock the value in their data, outdated systems and siloed information continue to hinder progress. “The opportunity now is to build the data infrastructure that enables AI and automation to thrive,” she said. Dr Janina Elliott, Segment Director for Mining at Seequent, added that data is not just a byproduct of mining operations—it is the foundation of every strategic decision. “The industry is ready to move forward, but it needs better frameworks to turn data into actionable insights,” she noted. Pat McLarin, Segment Director for Civil at Seequent, described the civil sector’s situation as a data paradox: teams are highly motivated to become data-driven but lack the systems to support it. “They’re spending a full day a week on data management instead of analysis,” he said. The report underscores a clear path forward: organizations must invest in unified data platforms, standardized processes, and governance structures to fully harness the power of AI and improve project outcomes. Seequent’s findings suggest that while the will to innovate is strong, the real challenge lies in building the infrastructure to support it.