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Volume 25
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10.3390/s25133953
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This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Article

Autonomous Drilling and the Idea of Next-Generation Deep Mineral Exploration

by
George Nikolakopoulos
1,*,
Anton Koval
1,
Matteo Fumagalli
1,2,
Martyna Konieczna-Fuławka
3,
Laura Santas Moreu
2,
Victor Vigara-Puche
2,
Kashish Verma
2,
Bob de Waard
4 and
René Deutsch
5
1
Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Signals and Systems, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, Sweden
2
Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering Automation and Control, Technical University of Denmark, Elektrovej, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
3
Faculty of Geoengineering, Mining and Geology, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 15 Na Grobli Street, 50-421 Wrocław, Poland
4
Spectral Industries B.V., Schieweg 15A, 2627 AN Delft, The Netherlands
5
Epiroc Rock Drills AB, Klerkgatan 21, 701 91 Örebro, Sweden
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Sensors 2025, 25(13), 3953; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25133953
Submission received: 21 May 2025 / Revised: 20 June 2025 / Accepted: 24 June 2025 / Published: 25 June 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Sensors and Robotics)
Versions Notes

Abstract

Remote drilling technologies play a crucial role in automating both underground and open-pit hard rock mining operations. These technologies enhance efficiency and, most importantly, improve safety in the mining sector. Autonomous drilling rigs can navigate to pre-determined positions and utilize the appropriate parameters to drill boreholes effectively. This article explores various aspects of automation, including the integration of advanced data collection methods that monitor the drilling parameters and facilitate the creation of 3D models of rock hardness. The shift toward machine automation involves transitioning from human-operated machines to systems powered by artificial intelligence, which are capable of making real-time decisions. Navigating underground environments presents unique challenges, as traditional RF-based localization systems often fail in these settings. New solutions, such as constant localization and mapping techniques like SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping), provide innovative methods for navigating mines, particularly in uncharted territories. The development of robotic exploration rigs equipped with modules that can operate autonomously in hazardous areas has the potential to revolutionize mineral exploration in underground mines. This article also discusses solutions aimed at validating and improving existing methods by optimizing drilling strategies to ensure accuracy, enhance efficiency, and ensure safety. These topics are explored in the context of the Horizon Europe-funded PERSEPHONE project, which seeks to deliver fully autonomous, sensor-integrated robotic systems for deep mineral exploration in challenging underground environments.
Keywords: autonomous drilling; SLAM navigation; modular robotic systems; underground mining automation; LIBS analysis; LoRaWAN networks; exploration drilling; robot collaboration; real-time rock sensing autonomous drilling; SLAM navigation; modular robotic systems; underground mining automation; LIBS analysis; LoRaWAN networks; exploration drilling; robot collaboration; real-time rock sensing

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Nikolakopoulos, G.; Koval, A.; Fumagalli, M.; Konieczna-Fuławka, M.; Santas Moreu, L.; Vigara-Puche, V.; Verma, K.; Waard, B.d.; Deutsch, R. Autonomous Drilling and the Idea of Next-Generation Deep Mineral Exploration. Sensors 2025, 25, 3953. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25133953

AMA Style

Nikolakopoulos G, Koval A, Fumagalli M, Konieczna-Fuławka M, Santas Moreu L, Vigara-Puche V, Verma K, Waard Bd, Deutsch R. Autonomous Drilling and the Idea of Next-Generation Deep Mineral Exploration. Sensors. 2025; 25(13):3953. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25133953

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nikolakopoulos, George, Anton Koval, Matteo Fumagalli, Martyna Konieczna-Fuławka, Laura Santas Moreu, Victor Vigara-Puche, Kashish Verma, Bob de Waard, and René Deutsch. 2025. "Autonomous Drilling and the Idea of Next-Generation Deep Mineral Exploration" Sensors 25, no. 13: 3953. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25133953

APA Style

Nikolakopoulos, G., Koval, A., Fumagalli, M., Konieczna-Fuławka, M., Santas Moreu, L., Vigara-Puche, V., Verma, K., Waard, B. d., & Deutsch, R. (2025). Autonomous Drilling and the Idea of Next-Generation Deep Mineral Exploration. Sensors, 25(13), 3953. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25133953

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