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Mining Engineering: Present and Future Prospectives

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2026 | Viewed by 7078

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Dr. Vinko Škrlec

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Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, Department of Mining Engineering and Geotechnical Engineering, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: explosives, blasting, detonations; blast-induced ground vibrations; demolition; tunnel excavation and properties of explosives

Prof. Dr. Muhamed Suceska

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Guest Editor

Department of Mining Engineering and Geotechnical Engineering, Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: thermal analysis and characterization of explosives; reaction kinetics; thermal initiation of explosives; combustion and detonation chemistry and physics

Dr. Hajime Ikeda

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Department of Systems, Control, and Information Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Asahikawa College, 2-2-1-6 Syunkodai, Asahikawa City 071-8142, Hokkaido, Japan
Interests: social infra-structure (civil engineering, architecture, disaster pre-vention); disas-ter prevention engineering; energy; earth resource engi-neering; energy science
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Dear Colleagues,

Mining is one of the oldest organized human activities. Today's human world is full of objects and products which, in their original or processed and refined states, originate from mining production. This applies to everything in our environment, with the exception of materials and products of plant and animal origin. Metals, building materials, solid, liquid and gaseous fuels and various types of plastics are either extracted directly or by processing materials from mining. In a broader sense, the term mining also includes the construction of underground spaces and tunnels. The mining production of every community, state and society is the basis and source of raw materials, materials and energy, as well as the basis for production development and economic and civilization development. The future of mining is being shaped by global trends, including the green transition, digitalization, technological innovation and increased environmental awareness. Mining is increasingly using advanced technologies such as automation, remote control of machinery and digitalization of processes, which reduces costs, increases productivity and improves safety in the workplace. The future of mining is bright, but it requires adapting to new technologies, environmental standards and global economic challenges.

Recommended topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Mining engineering.
Mine exploitation (mining methods, fragmentation, explosives and blasting, transportation, ventilation, design and planning of surface and underground mines, rock mechanics, tunneling).
Mine safety science and technology.
Mining environment and sustainable development.
Artificial intelligence techniques for mining applications.
Mining automation and integration.
Mining waste management and recycling technologies.
Life cycle assessment in mining.

Post-mining management.

Dr. Vinko Škrlec
Prof. Dr. Muhamed Suceska
Dr. Hajime Ikeda
Guest Editors

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Keywords

mining
mine exploitation
mining methods
explosives and blasting
mine transportation
mine safety, mine ventilation
mining automation and integration
life cycle assessment in mining

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

36 pages, 11876 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Support Technology of Horizontal Slicing Mining Roadways in Steeply Inclined Extra-Thick Coal Seams

by Yiqi Chen, Kuikai Qiu, Fan Li, Zhi Wang and Chen Ma

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3704; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083704 - 10 Apr 2026

Viewed by 200

Abstract

Coal is the primary energy source in China and has long dominated energy consumption, serving as both the cornerstone for safeguarding national energy security and the backbone of stable energy supply. Despite the gradual improvement in the level of fully mechanized and intelligent mining in recent years, as well as the remarkable progress achieved in safe and efficient mining technologies, significant challenges are still encountered in the horizontal slicing mining of steeply inclined coal seams. This study was conducted against the engineering backdrop of the steeply inclined extra-thick coal seam in the Yimen Coal Mine, Sichuan Province. A combination of theoretical analysis, FLAC3D numerical simulation, and on-site monitoring was employed to investigate the support technology for mining roadways. Considering the geological occurrence conditions, roadway dimensions, and service life, the bolt (cable) + steel strip + metal mesh system was selected as the basic support method, with shed supports supplemented for reinforcement in areas with special geological structures or fractured surrounding rock. A non-uniform roadway support technology for horizontal slicing mining of steeply inclined extra-thick coal seams was proposed. The optimal support parameters of the roadways were determined through numerical simulation, and favorable support effects were verified by field measurements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Engineering: Present and Future Prospectives)

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28 pages, 3648 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Field Validation of a Blasting Safety Index (BSI) for Safe and Sustainable Quarry Operations

by Oľga Glova Végsöová and Dávid Fehér

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 1867; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16041867 - 13 Feb 2026

Viewed by 347

Abstract

This study introduces a Blasting Safety Index (BSI), a composite analytical framework for quantifying the cumulative mechanical, environmental, and geotechnical effects of quarry blasting operations. The index integrates ground vibration expressed as Peak Particle Velocity (PPV), noise, dust concentration, and slope stability, each normalized and weighted according to its operational relevance, to provide a unified measure of blasting-related risk. Field application in a pyroxenic andesite quarry is presented as a demonstrative pilot case illustrating the internal coherence and operational feasibility of the proposed framework and resulted in a BSI value of 0.91, classifying the operation as high risk despite full compliance with individual regulatory thresholds. Within the applied weighting structure, PPV represented the dominant contribution to the composite index, reflecting its widely documented influence on blast-induced safety outcomes. The proposed methodology offers a transparent, measurement-based decision-support tool for operational control, regulatory communication, and environmental impact assessment. Owing to its compatibility with digital monitoring ecosystems, the BSI supports the advancement of sustainable, risk-aware, and technically optimized blasting practices within modern quarry operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Engineering: Present and Future Prospectives)

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23 pages, 30920 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Surface Defect Detection System for Industrial Conveyor Belt Inspection Using Apple’s TrueDepth Camera Technology

by Mohammad Siami, Przemysław Dąbek, Hamid Shiri, Tomasz Barszcz and Radosław Zimroz

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020609 - 7 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1019

Abstract

Maintaining the structural integrity of conveyor belts is essential for safe and reliable mining operations. However, these belts are susceptible to longitudinal tearing and surface degradation from material impact, fatigue, and deformation. Many computer vision-based inspection methods are inefficient and unreliable in harsh mining environments characterized by dust and variable lighting. This study introduces a smartphone-driven defect detection system for the cost-effective, geometric inspection of conveyor belt surfaces. Using Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro Max (Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA, USA), the system captures 3D point cloud data from a moving belt with induced damage via the integrated TrueDepth camera. A key innovation is a 3D-to-2D projection pipeline that converts point cloud data into structured representations compatible with standard 2D Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). We then propose a hybrid deep learning and machine learning model, where features extracted by pre-trained CNNs (VGG16, ResNet50, InceptionV3, Xception) are classified by ensemble methods (Random Forest, XGBoost, LightGBM). The proposed system achieves high detection accuracy exceeding 0.97 F1 score in the case of all proposed model implementations with TrueDepth F1 score over 0.05 higher than RGB approach. Applied cost-effective smartphone-based sensing platform proved to support near-real-time maintenance decisions. Laboratory results demonstrate the method’s reliability, with measurement errors for defect dimensions within 3 mm. This approach shows significant potential to improve conveyor belt management, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance operational safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Engineering: Present and Future Prospectives)

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29 pages, 7088 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Method for Determining the Optimal Transition Point from Surface to Underground Exploitation of Dimension Stone

by Branimir Farkaš, Ana Hrastov and Siniša Stanković

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010421 - 30 Dec 2025

Viewed by 461

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel method for determining the optimal exploitation contour, that is, the point of transition from surface to underground exploitation of dimension stone. Exploitation of dimension stone is primarily carried out using surface mining from the main plateau, but it can also be done by underground or combined methods. The decision regarding the mining method—surface, underground, or combined—is made before mining operations commence. This occurs during preliminary, pre-investment, and investment studies. The choice of mining method primarily depends on natural, technological, environmental, and economic factors, which together form a group referred to as techno-economic factors that influence the decision in varying proportions. Using the novel method for comparing techno-economic factors, the optimal transition point (OTP) from surface to underground exploitation of dimension stone deposits was determined. The position of the OTP from surface to underground mining of dimension stone is not a constant value; it changes over time and space according to techno-economic factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Engineering: Present and Future Prospectives)

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19 pages, 9838 KB

Open AccessArticle

Processing of Large Underground Excavation System—Skeleton Based Section Segmentation for Point Cloud Regularization

by Przemysław Dąbek, Jacek Wodecki, Adam Wróblewski and Sebastian Gola

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010313 - 28 Dec 2025

Viewed by 403

Abstract

Numerical modelling of airflow in underground mines is gaining importance in modern ventilation system design and safety assessment. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations enable detailed analyses of air movement, contaminant dispersion, and heat transfer, yet their reliability depends strongly on the accuracy of the geometric representation of excavations. Raw point cloud data obtained from laser scanning of underground workings are typically irregular, noisy, and contain discontinuities that must be processed before being used for CFD meshing. This study presents a methodology for automatic segmentation and regularization of large-scale point cloud data of underground excavation systems. The proposed approach is based on skeleton extraction and trajectory analysis, which enable the separation of excavation networks into individual tunnel segments and crossings. The workflow includes outlier removal, alpha-shape generation, voxelization, medial-axis skeletonization, and topology-based segmentation using neighbor relationships within the voxel grid. A proximity-based correction step is introduced to handle doubled crossings produced by the skeletonization process. The segmented sections are subsequently regularized through radial analysis and surface reconstruction to produce uniform and watertight models suitable for mesh generation in CFD software (Ansys 2024 R1). The methodology was tested on both synthetic datasets and real-world laser scans acquired in underground mine conditions. The results demonstrate that the proposed segmentation approach effectively isolates single-line drifts and crossings, ensuring continuous and smooth geometry while preserving the overall excavation topology. The developed method provides a robust preprocessing framework that bridges the gap between point cloud acquisition and numerical modelling, enabling automated transformation of raw data into CFD-ready geometric models for ventilation and safety analysis of complex underground excavation systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Engineering: Present and Future Prospectives)

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28 pages, 10229 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Properties of Copper Tailings Cemented Paste Backfill Incorporating Thermally and Mechanically Treated Saudi Natural Pozzolan

by Ardhymanto Am Tanjung, Haitham M. Ahmed and Hussin A. M. Ahmed

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(24), 13205; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152413205 - 17 Dec 2025

Viewed by 590

Abstract

Cemented Paste Backfill (CPB) is a technique that utilizes mine tailings, mining-process water, and a binder, typically Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), to backfill the opening created in underground mining. However, the use of cement in CPB increases operational costs and has adverse environmental effects. To mitigate these effects, eco-friendly natural pozzolan can be used as a partial replacement for OPC, thereby reducing its consumption and environmental impact. The volcanic region of western Saudi Arabia contains extensive deposits of Saudi natural pozzolan (SNP), which is a promising candidate for this purpose. This study evaluates the mechanical performance of CPB under four scenarios: a control mixture (CTRL), a mixture with untreated SNP (UT), and mixtures with activated SNP, specifically heat-treated (HT) and mechanically treated (MT). Each scenario was tested at replacement levels of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of OPC. The performance was assessed using Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) with Elastic Modulus (E), Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV), and Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS/Brazilian) tests. The results indicate that the HT scenario at a 5% replacement level delivered the highest performance, slightly outperforming the MT scenario. Both activated scenarios (HT and MT) significantly surpassed the untreated mixture (UT). Overall, the HT scenario proved to be the most effective among all CPB mixtures tested. XRD diffractogram analysis supported HT as the material with the highest strength performance due to the occurrence of more strength phases than other CPB materials, including Alite, Quartz, and Calcite. While UCS and UPV showed a positive correlation across all CPB materials, the relationship between UPV and the modulus of elasticity (E) demonstrated a low correlation. The findings suggest that using activated SNP materials can enhance CPB sustainability by lowering cement demand, stabilizing operating costs, and reducing environmental impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Engineering: Present and Future Prospectives)

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19 pages, 5368 KB

Open AccessArticle

Challenges of Tunnel Support in Low Overburden Zones in Urban Areas—Case Study

by Ekrem Bektašević, Satko Filipović, Luka Crnogorac, Kemal Gutić, Zijad Požegić and Rade Tokalić

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 12094; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152212094 - 14 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 882

Abstract

This paper systematically analyzes the challenges of stabilizing tunnel excavations in zones with low overburden in urban environments, through an engineering-validated case study of the Kobilja Glava Tunnel. A combined approach involving the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) and the pre-installation of steel pipe umbrellas was applied as the primary pre-support measure under complex geotechnical conditions. The design, drilling, grouting, and formation of the temporary support arch were thoroughly documented, along with the implementation of shotcrete, lattice girders, self-drilling anchors, and reinforcement meshes. A numerical analysis was performed using the PLAXIS 2D software package, encompassing the modeling of deformations, shear forces, axial forces, and bending moments, with precisely defined support parameters. Geodetic monitoring recorded maximum surface settlements of up to 70 mm at an overburden of less than 3 m, while deformations were reduced to 28 mm at an overburden of 20 m. The numerical model confirmed soil plasticization within a 3 m wide zone, with maximum displacements reaching 6.3 cm, consistent with field measurements. Calculated tensile strain and angular distortion were classified according to established building damage criteria, confirming minimal structural impact on adjacent buildings. The applied combination of the NATM and the pipe umbrella pre-support system proved to be an effective and reliable solution for controlling deformations and ensuring excavation stability under conditions of limited rock cover and dense urban development. The obtained results provide a verified framework and practical recommendations for future tunneling projects in similar geotechnical and urban conditions, aiming to enhance safety, stability, and cost-effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Engineering: Present and Future Prospectives)

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23 pages, 5185 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of the NorSand and HS Small Constitutive Models for Evaluating Static Liquefaction in a Silt Derived from Mine Tailings

by Matias Muñoz-Gaete, Ricardo Gallardo, Edison Atencio, Ricardo Moffat, Pablo F. Parra, Carlos Cacciuttolo and William Araujo

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8726; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158726 - 7 Aug 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2219

Abstract

The representation and assessment of static liquefaction in mine tailings is a significant challenge due to the severe environmental and social damage it can cause. This phenomenon, known for its catastrophic nature, is triggered when the undrained shear strength is exceeded by a static loading stress. In this study, the constitutive models HSS and NS were evaluated to calibrate the experimental curves from an isotropically consolidated undrained (CIU) triaxial test on a low-plasticity silt derived from mine tailings. An axisymmetric model was developed in Plaxis 2D for calibration, followed by a sensitivity analysis of the parameters of both constitutive models, using the RMSE to validate their accuracy. The results indicate that the proposed methodology adequately simulates the experimental curves, achieving an RMSE of 8%. After calibration, a numerical model was implemented to evaluate the propagation of the PFS of a mine tailings storage facility using both models, in terms of excess pore pressures, shear strains, and p’-q diagrams at three control points. The results show that both models are capable of representing the PFS; however, the HSS model reproduces the experimental curves more accurately, establishing itself as an ideal tool for simulating undrained behavior and, consequently, the phenomenon of static liquefaction in mine tailings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mining Engineering: Present and Future Prospectives)

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