AI-based solutions

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to improve operational and sustainability performance

As part of the Unlock Innovation pillar, the AI-Based Solutions initiative explores how data-driven technologies can support safer operations, optimise industrial processes and improve resource efficiency across the Group. By optimising processes and energy use, these technologies strengthen operational performance and safety while contributing to our reduction of carbon emissions trajectory.

Several pilot initiatives are currently being tested across production, maintenance and operational support functions. Through these experiments, SSE is progressively integrating advanced analytics and digital tools into daily operations, building the foundations for a more data-driven and efficient industrial organisation.

“In 2025, our work with Artificial Intelligence is moving from exploration to real operational applications. By turning operational data into actionable insights —from predictive maintenance to blasting performance analysis — we are helping our teams make smarter decisions on the ground. This not only strengthens operational efficiency and safety but also helps us identify opportunities to optimise resource use and reduce the carbon intensity of our operations. AI is becoming an important lever in SSE’s broader operational transformation toward a more data-driven and sustainable industrial organisation ”

Markus Troger
CBDO SSE Group
AI-based solutions Project Manager

AI-BASED SOLUTION KEY HIGHLIGHT

In 2025, SSE advanced several AI initiatives focusing on practical applications with strong operational value:

Predictive Maintenance – Production
Two AI-based tool suppliers were identified, and the decision was taken to acquire an external solution rather than develop one internally. Testing was conducted and evaluated in 2025, with the solution rolled out in the first half of 2026.

AI Drill & Blast Service Optimisation
A reporting tool supporting blasting performance analysis was developed and the concept for AI-supported optimisation was finalised. A shortlist of specialised solutions (QuarryX and Shotplus) has been identified, with technical evaluation planned before defining the deployment roadmap.

AI Communication Facilitator (CoPilot)
Initial testing of AI-assisted communication tools began with small teams, exploring how digital assistants can facilitate collaboration across multilingual teams and international operations.

These initiatives mark an important step toward strengthening data-driven operational capabilities across SSE.

IMPACT ACROSS SSE

The development of AI-based solutions contributes to several dimensions of SSE’s operational transformation:

Operational efficiency
Improving maintenance planning, operational monitoring and process optimisation.

Safer operations
Predictive tools help anticipate equipment failures and support better decision- aking in complex operational environments.

Lower carbon intensity of operations
Optimised processes and improved energy management contribute to reducing operational emissions.

Digital capability development
Building internal expertise in advanced analytics and data-driven decision-making across teams.

Through these initiatives, SSE is progressively strengthening its digital capabilities while supporting both operational excellence and sustainability performance.

HOW IT WORKS

From experimentation to operational deployment

The AI-Based Solutions initiative follows a pragmatic approach based on pilot projects and progressive deployment.

Operational teams identify use cases where advanced analytics could improve performance or safety. Selected technologies are then tested through pilot projects before being evaluated for wider rollout across SSE entities.

This step-by-step approach allows SSE to combine engineering expertise, operational knowledge and digital innovation while ensuring that new technologies deliver tangible value for both operations and sustainability performance.

When we reduce unplanned downtime by double-digit percentages, we don’t just improve performance — we reduce operational waste, optimise resource use and make our production processes genuinely more sustainable. This is exactly what predictive maintenance will deliver in our operations. In 2025, we reached a major milestone by selecting our dedicated technology partner for the upcoming pilot phase, bringing this from concept to reality at SSE. For me, this initiative is not only about production stability and operational efficiency — it directly supports our ESG objectives in a very concrete and measurable way. This is how targeted AI innovation contributes to both the resilience and the environmental performance of our manufacturing sites. And at SSE, we are taking an important step towards higher-performing and sustainable manufacturing.”

Tom Walisch
Project Manager, SSE Switzerland

“I use Microsoft Copilot on a daily basis to review contracts, analyze complex datasets, run focused research, and quickly draft clear and accurate business communications. It significantly reduces time spent on repetitive tasks and allows me to focus on decision making and value creation. Beyond productivity, Copilot supports our RESONANCE ‘Unlock Innovation’ pillar by enabling more data driven, transparent, and efficient ways of working. It helps turn sustainability data, ESG requirements, and operational insights into actionable knowledge — supporting smarter innovation across the Group.”

Ljupcho Dimitrov
Business Development Manager,
SSE Group

Pillar 2: Caring for our people

We believe that every employee is unique and can bring value to our business and to society

“I work every day to create impact both at work and at home, growing professionally while staying committed to my family. When I look at my daughter’s drawing, it shows what is closest to my heart and proves that growing at work is possible when a workplace supports mothers in pursuing their ambitions without limits.”

Marta Falcone
Business Development Executive
Specialty Chemicals
Valsynthese

CARING FOR OUR PEOPLE IS CENTRAL TO SSE’S LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE AND ATTRACTIVENESS.

The Double Materiality Assessment confirmed that people, skills and working conditions are among the most material topics for SSE. In industries such as civil explosives and fine chemicals, success relies on specialised expertise, operational discipline and a strong safety culture. Maintaining technical excellence depends on the continuous development of skilled professionals across the organisation.

For SSE, attracting, developing and retaining talent is therefore a key factor in sustaining operational excellence and supporting the long-term development of the Group.

Through the Care for Our People pillar, SSE focuses on strengthening the conditions that enable employees to perform, learn and grow across the organisation.

This approach is structured around three key drivers: improving working conditions, advancing gender equality and empowering talent across SSE.

Three drivers for caring for our people at SSE

Working Conditions & Well-being
Gender Equality
Talent Development

Students from Kollegium Spiritus Sanctus Brig visiting SSE’s Gamsen site to discover our industrial operations and the RESONANCE initiative. Engaging with students and future professionals reflects SSE’s commitment to developing talent and creating opportunities for the next generation of specialists in our industry.

FROM INITIATIVES TO A STRONGER PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

In 2025, SSE continued to strengthen and structure initiatives supporting employee development, well-being and organisational capabilities across the Group. During the year, particular attention was given to advancing the Gender Equality Program and building the foundations for its progressive development across SSE.

eyond the Swiss pilot, International Women’s Day initiatives were organised across multiple entities, including a major event in Poland highlighting the growing contribution of women engineers and operational professionals in the industry.

The Group also advanced its work on equal pay analysis, preparing the next salary assessment cycle in Switzerland while progressively extending the approach to additional entities. At the same time, employee support mechanisms were reinforced. Internal trust persons continued to provide confidential support to employees, complemented by the introduction of external counselling services in Switzerland.

To better understand employee expectations, SSE also integrated gender equality perspectives into employee satisfaction surveys, helping identify priorities for future improvements.

Together, these actions contribute to strengthening working conditions, supporting professional development and reinforcing SSE’s ambition to be a preferred employer in the civil explosives and fine chemicals sectors.

“Civil Explosives and Fine Chemicals are highly specialised industries where expertise, responsibility and trust between teams are essential. Behind every operation, every innovation and every customer solution, there are skilled people whose knowledge and commitment make the difference.

In 2025, we continued to strengthen the foundations of our Care for Our People pillar, learning from our initiatives and structuring them into a more coherent framework across the Group. By improving working conditions, advancing gender equality and empowering talent, we are building an environment where our people can grow their capabilities, share knowledge and contribute to the long-term performance of SSE. Our ambition is clear: to make SSE a place where expertise thrives, where people are proud to work, and where the next generation of engineers and specialists can shape the future of our industry.”

Dr. Max Lauwiner
CEO Valsynthese
Caring for Our People Pillar Leader

EMPOWERING TALENT THROUGH GENDER EQUALITY

At SSE, we are committed to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and able to develop their skills over the long term. Strengthening gender equality is one of the key levers supporting this ambition.

As part of our Care for Our People strategy, SSE is progressively developing a Group-wide Gender Equality Program, starting with a pilot in Switzerland and gradually extending the approach across our markets.

VOICES FROM WOMEN IN THE FIELD
Across SSE, women contribute to engineering, operational and leadership roles in our industry.

“When I started working in quarries twelve years ago, women in technical roles were still rare. Today the industry is evolving and becoming more technology-driven, opening the door to more diverse talent. At SSE, the support of colleagues and the opportunity to combine my role as an engineer and a mother have made a real difference. I believe more women will join our profession as the sector continues to transform.”

Katarzyna Kulik,
Deputy Director West Region
& Blasting Engineer, SSE Polska

KEY PROGRESS IN 2025

In 2025, SSE continued to develop its Gender Equality Program through the Swiss pilot while encouraging dialogue and engagement across several markets.

Key developments during the year include:

Preparation of a renewed equal pay analysis in Switzerland
The Swiss pilot was revisited to prepare a new salary analysis cycle and explore future assessments in additional European entities.
International Women’s Day initiatives across SSE markets
Several entities organised Women’s Day events to recognise the contributions of women across the organisation. In Poland, a dedicated event highlighted the role of women engineers and operational staff in the industry.
Strengthening employee support systems
Internal trust persons continued to provide confidential support to employees, complemented by the introduction of external counselling
services in Switzerland.
Employee listening and feedback initiatives
Gender-related perspectives were integrated into employee feedback processes to help identify priorities for future actions.

These initiatives represent an important step in structuring SSE’s approach to gender equality while gathering insights that will guide the program’s progressive
development across the Group.

IMPACT ACROSS SSE

Fair and transparent employment practices
Equal pay analysis and strengthened HR processes contribute to reinforcing fair and transparent employment practices across the organisation.

Creating conditions for women to grow and contribute
Beyond equal opportunities, SSE is working to strengthen the organisational conditions that enable women to develop their skills, take on greater responsibilities and contribute fully across technical, operational and leadership roles.

Stronger employee trust and support
Internal trust persons and external counselling services help provide employees with additional support mechanisms and contribute to a respectful and supportive workplace environment.

Attracting and retaining talent
By strengthening equal opportunities and professional development, SSE supports its ambition to attract and retain skilled professionals and become one of the preferred employers in the civil explosives and fine chemicals sectors.

BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR DATA-DRIVEN DECISION-MAKING

Turning data into smarter decisions

At SSE Group, Business Intelligence is a key enabler of innovation, performance and sustainability. As operations grow in scale and complexity, transforming data into clear, actionable insights becomes critical. Big Deal strengthens how SSE collects, structures and uses operational data across the Group by enhancing reporting capabilities and supporting real-time analysis.

By embedding data-driven thinking into our processes, the initiative improves operational transparency, strengthens performance management and helps teams make faster, better-informed decisions.

At the same time, stronger data visibility supports SSE’s sustainability ambitions by enabling better monitoring of operational and environmental performance and identifying opportunities to improve resource efficiency over time. Big Deal reflects SSE’s commitment to innovation with purpose, where better data helps drive smarter operations and long-term value.

“Better decisions start with better data. With the Big Deal initiative, SSE is strengthening how we structure and leverage information across the Group to support performance management and operational transparency. By improving data visibility and reporting capabilities, we are enabling faster decision-making, greater accountability and stronger monitoring of operational and sustainability performance across our activities.”

Jacek Balon
EEM Controller SSE Group
Big Deal Project Manager

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

The Big Deal initiative aims to support several dimensions of SSE’s operational and strategic transformation:

Smarter decision-making
Providing reliable, structured and accessible data to support operational and strategic decisions across the Group.

Operational efficiency
Reducing manual reporting processes and improving visibility on key performance indicators.

Data consistency across entities
Establishing common data definitions and standards to enable group-wide performance management.

Supporting sustainability and transparency
Strengthening data quality and reporting capabilities to better monitor operational and environmental performance over time.

BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR DATA-DRIVEN DECISION-MAKING

PROGRESS IN 2025

In 2025, the Big Deal initiative focused on strengthening SSE’s data infrastructure and governance practices to support the development of a scalable Business Intelligence platform across the Group. Key milestones achieved during the year include:

Consolidation of core data infrastructure supporting more consistent reporting across entities
Progress in the development of a unified data model to enhance financial and operational performance monitoring Advancement of group-wide data governance practices to support harmonised data management
Improvement of data integration processes to increase the reliability and accessibility of information Establishment of the technical foundations required for a scalable Business Intelligence platform

These developments represent an important step in building a stronger data environment that supports more transparent performance monitoring and more informed decision-making across SSE.

These foundations enable the progressive deployment of Business Intelligence tools across the Group, with key operational milestones planned for 2026.