Recent Advances in Smart Mining Technology

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, starting from Industry 4.0 in Germany and the United States, has developed into the concept of an “integrated intelligent society” and is now spreading across all industries. As the core technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, represented by artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, big data, mobile and wearable devices, augmented/virtual/mixed reality, 3D printing, open source, self-driving, drones, robotics, etc., are fused with domain knowledge by sector, innovative changes are taking place in the industrial field, giving way to a productivity revolution.

This change is also having a significant impact on the mineral industry. The core technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution are being introduced and integrated throughout the entire cycle, including exploration, development, production, processing, and environmental restoration of mineral resources. The concept of “smart mining”, which combines traditional mining technology with information and communication technology (ICT), has become a representative keyword representing the Fourth Industrial Revolution of the mineral industry in the age of digital transformation.

This Special Issue (SI) aims to encourage researchers to address recent advances in smart mining technology for the mineral industry. Original research contributions and reviews providing examples of the improvements brought about by smart mining technology in all areas of the mineral sector can be included in this SI.

Prof. Dr. Yosoon Choi
Dr. Jieun Baek
Guest Editor

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