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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Earth Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2026 | Viewed by 7867

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Kamil Szewerda

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Guest Editor

KOMAG, Institute of Mining Technology, Pszczyńska 37, 44-101 Gliwice, Poland
Interests: new technology; mining; heritage; numerical simulation; 3D models

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Mining has accompanied man for a very long time and is one of the key industries. For many years, mining has been a driving force and has also contributed to the development of other industries and new technologies. It should be noted that working conditions in mines are very difficult and specific. Consequently, the technologies and machinery used in the mines also required careful and appropriate thought and design. Nowadays the emphasis on development has shifted to other industries; however, new trends and modern and advanced solutions using technological achievements are still being applied in the mining industry. The applicability of simulation research supports the mining industry both in the design of new machines and the development of new technologies, as well as in the process of optimizing and modernizing existing machines and introducing automation in mines. Another aspect of modern mines is the use of numerous sensors and the development of a way to transmit signals. Thus, it introduces the possibility of optimizing the operation of machinery and predictive maintenance but also minimizing the number of necessary miners in the most dangerous areas. Another aspect of the application of modern technology is the aspect of monitoring and revitalizing the sites of waste generated by the production process. In the aspect of mine closure, especially in the context of the European mine closure policy, work is also being carried out to apply modern and innovative technologies to develop post-mining infrastructure.

Dr. Kamil Szewerda
Guest Editor

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Keywords

mining
technology
industry
simulation
machine
FEM
DEM
MBS

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

30 pages, 2588 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design of Dry Stacking of Filtered Tailings in Extreme Seismic and Mountain Conditions

by Carlos Cacciuttolo, Edison Atencio, Seyedmilad Komarizadehasl and Jose Antonio Lozano-Galant

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3911; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083911 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 245

Abstract

Tailings management presents a critical challenge for the mining industry, particularly in mountainous regions with high seismicity and steep slopes. This article presents the development and design criteria for dry stacking of filtered tailings as a sustainable and safe alternative to conventional slurry tailings storage facilities (TSFs). The study focuses on the extreme conditions of a mountainous location characterized by complex topography with 10% slopes, space constraints, and significant seismic activity defined by a peak ground acceleration (PGA) of 0.3 g. The design methodology, which incorporates layered compaction of the filtered tailings to achieve a geotechnically stable structure, is detailed for a filtered TSF consisting of 7 terraces, each 10 m high, reaching a total height of 70 m. This approach minimizes the risk of liquefaction and prepares the filtered tailings surface for progressive closure, with unit operating costs (OPEX) of 2.5 USD/t. The results of the physical stability analysis confirm the viability of this solution: pseudo-static stability analysis yielded a safety factor of 1.22, demonstrating a significant reduction in water consumption and potential environmental impact. It is concluded that the dry disposal of filtered tailings is a technically robust option for tailings management in extreme mountainous environments, offering greater long-term safety guarantees and facilitating landscape integration, thus setting a precedent for mining projects in similar geographies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface and Underground Mining Technology and Sustainability)

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19 pages, 1386 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reinforcement Learning-Driven Negotiation in a Multi-Agent System for Truck Dispatching in Open-Pit Mining

by Otthein Herzog, Gabriel Icarte-Ahumada, Daniel Arratia and Cristian Lucero

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 2343; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16052343 - 28 Feb 2026

Viewed by 439

Abstract

Material handling is an important process in open-pit mining, where trucks transport material extracted by shovels to different destinations within the mine. The decision regarding the next destination of a truck strongly influences operational efficiency. In current mining operations, this decision is typically handled by centralized dispatching systems based on predefined criteria. However, such approaches often struggle to adapt to dynamic operating conditions and rely on a central control unit, which may reduce flexibility and robustness. This paper proposes a decentralized multi-agent system for truck dispatching with reinforcement learning (MAS-TDRL). In the proposed approach, autonomous agents representing trucks, shovels, and unloading points cooperate through a negotiation mechanism based on an enhanced Contract Net Protocol to generate operational schedules. Reinforcement learning is integrated into the decision-making process of truck agents, allowing them to learn from previous negotiations and improve their participation over time. The proposed system is evaluated through simulation using scenarios based on real data from an open-pit copper mine in Chile. The results show that incorporating reinforcement learning increases the material transported per hour by approximately 18–29% compared to a multi-agent system without learning, while maintaining computation times below 10 min even in the largest scenario, which remains compatible with operational decision-making in open-pit mining contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface and Underground Mining Technology and Sustainability)

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39 pages, 5803 KB

Open AccessArticle

Closure as a New Beginning: Repurposing Post-Mining Sites into Industrial Eco-Parks Backed by Virtual Power Plants

by Alicja Krzemień, Aleksander Frejowski, Grzegorz Wacławek, Stanisław Tokarski and Pedro Riesgo Fernández

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16041916 - 14 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 466

Abstract

The accelerated closure of hard coal mines across Europe contrasts with Poland’s continued structural reliance on coal extraction and coal-based power generation, increasing the urgency of credible post-mining development models. This article investigates the potential transformation of the end-of-life Bobrek coal mine in Bytom (Poland), drawing on methodological and business-model insights from the European Union (EU) Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) POTENTIALS and GreenJOBS projects. A combined methodological framework is applied, including structural analysis to identify key transformation variables, morphological analysis to explore alternative redevelopment pathways, and multicriteria assessment to configure coherent scenarios integrating renewable energy systems and circular-economy activities. The results show that an industrial eco-park backed by a virtual power plant (VPP), comprising photovoltaic installations, a mine-water-based geothermal heating system, and small-scale wind turbines, is technically feasible and environmentally sustainable. In parallel, three circular-economy business lines, the recycling of end-of-life photovoltaic panels, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), and refrigeration units, were assessed as possible economic cores of the envisaged eco-park. Overall, the proposed model enables effective reuse of mining infrastructure, supports low-emission industrial activity, and aligns with EU climate policy objectives. The Bobrek site may serve as a reference for post-mining redevelopment in other coal regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface and Underground Mining Technology and Sustainability)

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30 pages, 10747 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Twin Framework for Cutterhead Design and Assembly Process Simulation Optimization for TBM

by Abubakar Sharafat, Waqas Arshad Tanoli, Sung-hoon Yoo and Jongwon Seo

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 1865; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16041865 - 13 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 558

Abstract

With the rapid advancement in information technology, the digital twin and smart assembly process simulation have become an integral part of the design and manufacturing of high-precision products. However, conventional Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) cutterhead design and on-site assembly planning remain largely experience-driven and fragmented, with limited interoperability between geological characterization, structural verification, and constructability validation. This study proposes a digital twin-driven framework for TBM cutterhead design optimization and assembly process simulation that integrates geology-aware design inputs, BIM-based information modelling, FEM-based structural assessment, and immersive virtual environments within a unified virtual–physical workflow. To ensure consistent data exchange across platforms, an IFC4.3-compliant ontology is established using a non-intrusive property-set (Pset) extension strategy to represent cutterhead components, geological parameters, FEM load cases/results, and assembly tasks. Tunnel-scale stress analysis and cutter–rock interaction modelling are used to define project-representative cutter loading envelopes, which are mapped to a high-fidelity cutterhead FEM model for iterative structural refinement. The optimized configuration is then transferred to a game-engine/VR environment to support full-scale design inspection and assembly rehearsal, followed by manufacturing and field deployment with bidirectional feedback. To validate the proposed framework, an implementation case study of a deep hard-rock tunnelling project is presented where five design iterations were tracked across BIM–FEM–VR and nine constructability issues detected and resolved prior to assembly. The results indicate that the proposed digital twin approach strengthens traceability from geology to loading to structural response, reduces localized stress concentration at critical interfaces, and improves assembly readiness for complex tunnelling projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface and Underground Mining Technology and Sustainability)

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21 pages, 7832 KB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) in the Survey of Historical Metal Ore Mining Sites in Lower Silesia (Poland)

by Maciej Madziarz and Danuta Szyszka

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020638 - 7 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1022

Abstract

This study presents the application of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) in the investigation of historical metal ore mining sites in the Lower Silesia region of Poland. The paper outlines the principles of the GPR method and details the measurement procedures used during fieldwork. GPR has proven to be an effective, non-invasive tool for identifying inaccessible or previously unknown underground mining structures, such as shafts, tunnels, and remnants of mining infrastructure. This capability is particularly valuable in the context of extensive and complex post-mining landscapes characteristic of Lower Silesia. The research presents findings from selected sites, demonstrating how GPR surveys facilitated the detection and subsequent archaeological exploration of historical workings. In several cases, the method enabled the recovery of access to underground features, which were then subjected to detailed documentation and preservation efforts. Following necessary safety and adaptation measures, some of these sites have been successfully opened to the public as part of regional tourism initiatives. The study confirms the utility of GPR as a key instrument in post-mining archaeology and mining heritage conservation, offering a rapid and reliable means of mapping subsurface structures without disturbing the terrain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface and Underground Mining Technology and Sustainability)

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18 pages, 3402 KB

Open AccessArticle

Issue of Selecting Stress Field Parameters for the Analysis of Mining Excavation Stability Using Numerical Methods in the Conditions of the LGCB Mines

by Daniel Pawelus, Karolina Adach-Pawelus and Jan Butra

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(23), 12365; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152312365 - 21 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 478

Abstract

This paper concerns the issue of selecting appropriate stress field parameters for predicting the stability of headings driven under the geological and mining conditions of Polish underground copper mines. The problem is of key importance due to strict safety requirements in mine workings that serve ventilation and transport functions. Numerical analyses were carried out for four stress field variants: the stress state determined based on Bulin’s formulas (variant 1), the hydrostatic stress state (variant 2), and stress states determined from in situ measurements conducted in the Rudna mine (variant 3 and variant 4). Numerical simulations were performed for a group of four headings, supported with fully grouted rock bolts, in the geological and mining conditions of the Rudna mine. Stability assessment was performed using the finite element method (FEM). Rock mass input parameters for the modeling were obtained with RocLab 1.0, applying the Hoek–Brown classification, while numerical analyses employed the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion. The elastic–plastic model with softening was used to describe the rock mass behaviour. Numerical calculations were conducted in the RS2 computer program in a triaxial stress state and in a plane strain state. The range of the yielded rock mass zone in the roof of the headings was assumed as the optimal measure of the headings stability. The obtained simulation results provided a basis for recommending suitable rock bolting systems to protect the stability of headings developed under various initial stress field conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface and Underground Mining Technology and Sustainability)

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26 pages, 12950 KB

Open AccessArticle

Qualitative Assessment of Point Cloud from SLAM-Based MLS for Quarry Digital Twin Creation

by Ľudovít Kovanič, Patrik Peťovský, Branislav Topitzer, Peter Blišťan and Ondrej Tokarčík

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 12326; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152212326 - 20 Nov 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1246

Abstract

Quarries represent critical sites for raw material extraction, for which regular monitoring and mine surveying documentation, along with its updating, is essential to ensuring safety, environmental protection, and effective management of the mining process. This article aims to evaluate the modern approach to quarry surveying and the creation of a base mining map using advanced laser scanning methods, such as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM)-based mobile laser scanning (MLS). Particular attention is given to the analysis of noise generated using TLS and SLAM-based MLS methods. An analysis of mutual differences between point clouds is presented to compare the spatial accuracy of the point clouds obtained using MLS technology against those from the reference TLS method on both horizontally and vertically oriented test areas. To assess the quality and usability of data obtained using the TLS and MLS methods, a selected section of the mining wall was analyzed based on the distance between points (Cloud-to-Cloud analysis), cross-section analysis, and volume calculations based on 3D mesh models generated from stage edges and point clouds. The findings offer valuable insights into the effective use of each method in quarry surveying, contributing to the development of innovative approaches to spatial data collection as a base for creating Digital Twins of quarries. The article also evaluates the efficiency of both measurement approaches in terms of accuracy, measurement speed, and practical applicability in mining practices. The results show that the point cloud obtained by the TLS Leica RTC360 device, compared to that by the MLS method using the FARO Orbis device (FARO Technologies, Inc., Lakemary, FL, USA), achieves better values in terms of average noise level, standard deviation, interval of highest point density, and RMSD (Root Mean Square Deviation) in test areas. Our conclusions highlight the high potential of laser scanning for the modernization of mining documentation and the improvement of surveying processes in the smart mining industry, particularly for updating Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), Digital Surface Models (DSMs), and other 3D models of quarries for the creation of their Digital Twins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface and Underground Mining Technology and Sustainability)

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19 pages, 3483 KB

Open AccessArticle

Transformation of Coordinates of Boundary Points of Neighboring Mining Areas Using an Authorial Procedure Based on the Method of Independent Models—A Case Study

by Monika Żogała, Violetta Sokoła-Szewioła and Marian Poniewiera

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 5812; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15115812 - 22 May 2025

Viewed by 1062

Abstract

In order to integrate data relevant to decision making, especially for the development of post-mining areas, it is important to ensure their uniform spatial reference. A problem arises when the coordinates of the boundary points of mining areas of neighboring mines are documented in different local rectangular flat coordinate systems. It is then necessary to transform the coordinates of these points into a uniform coordinate system. The currently implemented coordinate transformations in Poland, which are implemented separately for each area, do not allow the obtainment of the equal coordinates of identical boundary points. Therefore, topological consistency in such areas is missing. This problem was the focus of the research carried out by the authors. An authorial transformation procedure has been developed based on the method of independent models, which makes it possible to obtain the equal coordinates of identical boundary points using the transformation procedure. This procedure is presented in this article. The results of the transformation of the coordinates of boundary points of 14 mining areas located in the southern part of Poland, i.e., in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, are also presented in this article. This task was carried out using the previously used transformation, performed separately for each of the mining areas and in accordance with the authorial procedure presented in this article. It was found that the values of differences in the locations of identical boundary points of the areas after the execution of separate transformation ranged from 0.002 m to 1.945 m. The difference in coordinates Δx and Δy reached a maximum value of 1.937 m and 0.542 m, respectively. The differences in the coordinates of identical boundary points, using the method of independent models, reached a maximum value of 0.001 m, which basically resulted from the rounding up of significant figures. The above facts indicate the validity of using the solution proposed by the authors, allowing topological consistency in areas where it is necessary to integrate the spatial data of neighboring areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface and Underground Mining Technology and Sustainability)

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18 pages, 8929 KB

Open AccessArticle

Concept of Adapting the Liquidated Underground Mine Workings into High-Temperature Sand Thermal Energy Storage

by Kamil Szewerda, Dariusz Michalak, Piotr Matusiak and Daniel Kowol

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3868; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073868 - 1 Apr 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1430

Abstract

In Europe, renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic panels and wind power plants are developing dynamically. The growth of renewable energy is driven by rising energy prices, greenhouse gas emission restrictions, the European Union’s Green Deal policy, and decarbonization efforts. Photovoltaic farms generate energy intermittently, depending on weather conditions. Given the increasing number of new installations, ensuring the power balance and transmission capacity of the electrical grid has become a major challenge. To address this issue, the authors propose a technical solution that allows the energy generated by photovoltaic systems to be stored in the form of heat. Thermal energy from solar power and wind energy offers significant potential for energy storage. It can be accumulated during summer in specially designed sand-based heat storage systems and then used for heating purposes in winter. This approach not only reduces heating costs but also decreases greenhouse gas emissions and helps balance the power grid during sunny periods. Post-industrial areas, often located near city centers, are suitable locations for large-scale heat storage facilities supplying, among others, public utility buildings. Therefore, this article presents a concept for utilizing high-temperature sand-based heat storage systems built in decommissioned underground mining excavations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface and Underground Mining Technology and Sustainability)

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