Advances in Mining Technology and Equipment: Innovations and Case Studies

Dear Colleagues,

The fuel and energy sectors are currently undergoing a significant technological transition, driven by the increasing integration of advanced mineral extraction and processing technologies. These innovations are critical to ensuring the sustainable development of countries whose economic stability and growth are heavily reliant on the exploitation of mineral resources.

Despite the rapid development of renewable and unconventional energy sources, current output remains insufficient to satisfy the growing global demand for energy. As a result, conventional energy sources, particularly those based on fossil fuels and solid minerals, are expected to remain the cornerstone of global energy supply in the foreseeable future. Among these, coal is projected to retain a pivotal role due to its abundant reserves, established extraction infrastructure, and relatively high energy conversion efficiency. Experts estimate that over the next several decades, coal will remain the most dependable combustible mineral resource in terms of availability and production scalability.

In this evolving energy landscape, the mineral raw materials market is increasingly characterized by intense competition. This dynamic compels mining enterprises to adopt cost-reduction strategies to maintain economic viability. Research indicates that enhancing the intensity of mining operations and improving the performance of mining machinery and equipment are key strategies for achieving greater efficiency and competitiveness.

This Special Issue aims to present the current state of research and technological advancement in the mining sector. It will feature case studies of ongoing mining projects, as well as recent developments in mining methods and engineering solutions. Topics of interest include advanced mining technologies, computational modeling, next-generation mining equipment and materials, occupational safety innovations, and the economic optimization of mining operations. Additionally, the issue will address sustainable resource recovery approaches, environmental impact assessment methodologies, and the integration of digital technologies, such as automation, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence, into modern mining practices.

Prof. Dr. Fangwei Xie
Dr. Nikita Babyr
Guest Editors

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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.