Data mining leverages machine learning and statistical analysis to extract insights from large data sets, with adoption accelerating due to advancements in AI and big data. It offers benefits such as uncovering hidden trends, optimizing business processes, and improving decision-making across departments, but also faces challenges like complexity, cost, and uncertainty of results. The data mining process involves collection, preparation, model building, and evaluation, utilizing various techniques like classification, decision trees, and predictive analytics.