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Mining
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Mine Automation and New Technologies, 2nd Edition
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Mine Automation and New Technologies, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Mining (ISSN 2673-6489).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 3157

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Roohollah Shirani Faradonbeh

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Western Australian School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, Kalgoorlie, WA 6430, Australia
Interests: machine learning (ML) algorithms; artificial intelligence (AI); mine automation; rock mechanics; deep mining; static and dynamic response of rocks; rockburst; blasting operation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The digitalisation of the mining industry, coupled with increasing levels of automation, is poised to significantly enhance operational efficiency and redefine the roles of personnel both within and beyond the mining sector. Automation plays a pivotal role in minimising or eliminating workers’ exposure to hazardous environments in both surface and underground mines. It also holds the potential to improve safety, reduce carbon emissions, and promote long-term sustainability in mining operations. Over the past decade, substantial progress has been made in integrating cutting-edge communication systems, robotics, sensor technologies, and remotely operated systems into mining practices.

Simultaneously, the rapid pace of global economic development and the depletion of conventional mineral resources have driven interest in unconventional and alternative mining methods. These include space mining, deep-sea mining, brine extraction, urban/technospheric mining, and in situ leaching—areas that are gaining traction in both industry and academia worldwide.

This Special Issue invites state-of-the-art contributions in the fields of mine automation and alternative mining methods, with a focus on the following topics:

  • Artificial Intelligence: the application of advanced and robust machine learning algorithms to address complex, non-linear mining challenges.
  • Communication Systems: wired, wireless, and hybrid systems, including IoT and ICT technologies.
  • Automation: autonomous and remotely operated mining systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), robotics, and related technologies.
  • Sensor Technology: systems for collision avoidance, hazard monitoring, personnel and equipment tracking, and more.
  • Simulation Technologies: the use of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and metaverse platforms in mining.
  • Mine Electrification: techniques for reducing carbon emissions, the deployment of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), battery charging innovations, and strategies for sustainable mining.
  • Future and Alternative Mining Methods: explorations of deep underground mining, deep-sea mining, brine extraction, in situ leaching, urban mining, and space mining.

Dr. Roohollah Shirani Faradonbeh
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Mining is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • artificial intelligence
  • automation
  • sustainability
  • mine electrification
  • simulation
  • sensors
  • future mining methods

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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32 pages, 3393 KB  
Article
Real-Time Drilling Control for Hanging-Wall Stability: SCADA-Based Mitigation of Overbreak and Dilution in Long-Hole Stoping
by Eustina Gurumani, Tawanda Zvarivadza, Lawrence Ndhlovu, Rejoice Moyo, Richard Masethe, Mbalenhle Mpanza and Moshood Onifade
Mining 2025, 5(4), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining5040068 - 22 Oct 2025
Viewed by 254
Abstract
Study develops and field-validates a SCADA-based real-time monitoring system to reduce unplanned dilution and hanging-wall over-break in underground long-hole stoping at a Zimbabwean gold mine. The objectives were to detect and constrain drilling deviation in real time, quantify the impact on stope stability [...] Read more.
Study develops and field-validates a SCADA-based real-time monitoring system to reduce unplanned dilution and hanging-wall over-break in underground long-hole stoping at a Zimbabwean gold mine. The objectives were to detect and constrain drilling deviation in real time, quantify the impact on stope stability and dilution, and evaluate operational and economic effects. The system integrates IMU inclinometers (hole angle), rotary encoders (depth), and LiDAR (collar spacing) with a Siemens S7 PLC (RS Americas, Fort Worth, TX, USA) and AVEVA™ InTouch HMI 2023 R2. Field trials across three production stopes (12L, 14L, 15L) compared baseline manual monitoring to SCADA control. Mean angular deviation fell from 0.8–1.6° to 0.2–0.3°, length deviation from 0.8–1.1 m to 0.05–0.08 m, and positional error from 0.25–0.32 m to 0.04–0.06 m; major collapses were eliminated, and ELOS dropped (e.g., 0.20 m to 0.05 m). Dilution decreased from 25% (typical 21–26%) to 16–18%, with mill feed grade rising from 1.90 to 2.25 g/t; production rates were maintained, with brief auto-stops in 5% of holes and rapid operator correction. Real-time drilling control materially reduces unplanned dilution and improves wall stability without productivity penalties, yielding compelling economics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mine Automation and New Technologies, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 1895 KB  
Article
Modernization of Hoisting Operations Through the Design of an Automated Skip Loading System—Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability
by Keane Baulen Size, Rejoice Moyo, Richard Masethe, Tawanda Zvarivadza and Moshood Onifade
Mining 2025, 5(4), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining5040062 - 4 Oct 2025
Viewed by 433
Abstract
This study presents the design and validation of an automated skip loading system for vertical shaft hoisting operations, aimed at addressing inefficiencies in current manual systems that contribute to consistent underperformance in meeting daily production targets. Initial assessments revealed a task completion rate [...] Read more.
This study presents the design and validation of an automated skip loading system for vertical shaft hoisting operations, aimed at addressing inefficiencies in current manual systems that contribute to consistent underperformance in meeting daily production targets. Initial assessments revealed a task completion rate of 91.6%, largely due to delays and inaccuracies in manual ore loading and accounting. To resolve these challenges, an automated system was developed using a bin and conveyor mechanism integrated with a suite of industrial automation components, including a programmable logic controller (PLC), stepper motors, hydraulic cylinders, ultrasonic sensors, and limit switches. The system is designed to transport ore from the draw point, halt when one ton is detected, and activate the hoisting process automatically. Digital simulations demonstrated that the automated system reduced loading time by 12% and increased utilization by 16.6%, particularly by taking advantage of the 2 h post-blast idle period. Financial evaluation of the system revealed a positive Net Present Value (NPV) of $1,019,701, a return on investment (ROI) of 69.7% over four years, and a payback period of 2 years and 11 months. The study concludes that the proposed solution significantly improves operational efficiency and recommends further enhancements to the hoisting infrastructure to fully optimize performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mine Automation and New Technologies, 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 2550 KB  
Article
Design and Implementation of an Edge Computing-Based Underground IoT Monitoring System
by Panting He, Yunsen Wang, Guiping Zheng and Hong Zhou
Mining 2025, 5(3), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining5030054 - 9 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1276
Abstract
Underground mining operations face increasing challenges due to their complex and hazardous environments. One key difficulty is ensuring real-time safety monitoring and disaster prevention. Traditional monitoring systems often suffer from delayed data acquisition and rely heavily on cloud-based processing. These factors limit their [...] Read more.
Underground mining operations face increasing challenges due to their complex and hazardous environments. One key difficulty is ensuring real-time safety monitoring and disaster prevention. Traditional monitoring systems often suffer from delayed data acquisition and rely heavily on cloud-based processing. These factors limit their responsiveness during emergencies. To address these limitations, this study presents an underground Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring system based on edge computing. The system architecture is composed of three layers: a perception layer for real-time sensing, an edge gateway layer for local data processing and decision-making, and a cloud service layer for storage and analytics. By shifting computation closer to the data source, the system significantly reduces latency and enhances response efficiency. The system is tailored to actual mine-site conditions. It integrates pressure monitoring for artificial expandable pillars and roof subsidence detection in stopes. It has been successfully deployed in a field environment, and the data collected during commissioning demonstrate the system’s feasibility and reliability. Results indicate that the proposed system meets real-world demands for underground safety monitoring. It enables timely warnings and improves the overall automation level. This approach offers a practical and scalable solution for enhancing mine safety and provides a valuable reference for future smart mining systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mine Automation and New Technologies, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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25 pages, 3292 KB  
Review
Toward Sustainable Mining: Exploring Alternative Mineral Resources and Innovative Extraction Techniques
by Roohollah Shirani Faradonbeh, Mohammad Imtiaz Shah, Moein Bahadori and Hyoongdoo Jang
Mining 2025, 5(4), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining5040066 - 18 Oct 2025
Viewed by 317
Abstract
The relentless pace of industrialisation and globalisation has precipitated the rapid depletion of surface mineral deposits, presenting a formidable challenge to conventional mining operations and exerting a detrimental impact on their profitability. This depletion, coupled with the escalating demand for minerals, has driven [...] Read more.
The relentless pace of industrialisation and globalisation has precipitated the rapid depletion of surface mineral deposits, presenting a formidable challenge to conventional mining operations and exerting a detrimental impact on their profitability. This depletion, coupled with the escalating demand for minerals, has driven prices to unprecedented highs, thereby inflating operating costs across various industries. Traditional surface and underground mining methods, struggling to meet burgeoning demands, contribute significantly to environmental degradation and substantial energy consumption. In response to these challenges, this study advocates for a paradigm shift from conventional mining methods and mineral resources toward untapped alternatives that hold the potential for enhanced economic viability and sustainability. Utilising environmentally friendly techniques and adopting more economical approaches becomes paramount in addressing the pressing demands of the current era and securing resources for future generations. This short review examines potential alternative mineral resources and the associated mining methods, including fluidised mining, deep-sea mining, brine mining, urban mining, in-situ and heap leaching, and space mining. A meticulous evaluation of the state-of-the-art technologies developed for these unconventional methods is conducted, including an assessment of their respective advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the study deliberates on the prospects of each approach, elucidating their potential contributions to alleviating the global metal crisis. This research provides insights that can inform sustainable mining practices and guide the industry toward a more environmentally responsible and economically viable future. The urgency of such a transition is underscored by the need to address the challenges posed by conventional mining and ensure the availability of mineral resources for generations to come. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mine Automation and New Technologies, 2nd Edition)
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