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Mining
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Envisioning the Future of Mining, 2nd Edition
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Envisioning the Future of Mining, 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 8825

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Juan M Menéndez-Aguado

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Guest Editor
Escuela Politécnica de Mieres, Universidad de Oviedo, 33600 Mieres, Spain
Interests: comminution; energy efficiency; mineral processing; mineral waste streams; critical raw material production; process technoeconomic analysis; sustainability; circular economy of minerals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Oscar Jaime Restrepo Baena

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Guest Editor
Department of Materials and Minerals, School of Mines, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín 65-223, Colombia
Interests: extractive metallurgy; materials science; mineral processing; sustainability in extractive process; circular economy of minerals; humanitarian topics in engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Juan C. Lucena

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Engineering, Design, and Society, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Interests: engineering education; sustainable community development; social justice; post-development theory and practice; urban mining; socio-technical approaches to community development

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The different scenarios that have occurred globally due to energy and digital transitions, and the increasing need for construction materials for growing urban populations, show the greater dependence on mineral raw material production, especially those considered critical or strategic. In the first edition of this Special Issue, the call for contributions in urban mining, submarine mining, ultradeep mining, extraterrestrial mining, and innovative advances in raw material processing ranged from artisanal to large-scale mining activities. The call also invited the inclusion of integrated sociotechnical approaches to address future challenges in sustainable and socially responsible ways. Most of the published articles were focused on health and safety issues, electrification, and digitalization from a technical point of view, while some papers introduced socio-technical approaches.

This second edition invites papers from these areas and new productive sectors with the goal of beginning to map the future of mining which can no longer be divorced from its environmental and social dimensions. Hence, we invite papers that show, for example, the socio-ecological dimensions of mining critical minerals for the energy transition to renewables, or the hidden linkages between urban mining (recycling electronic and construction and demolition waste) and the extractive mining for these minerals. We envision all papers to have a sociotechnical approach to their analyses. 

Prof. Dr. Juan M Menéndez-Aguado
Prof. Dr. Oscar Jaime Restrepo Baena
Prof. Dr. Juan C. Lucena
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 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 1000 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

  • critical raw materials
  • sustainable mining
  • urban mining
  • sociotechnical approaches
  • carbon capture, sequestration, and storage
  • community engagement and participation in mining

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3833 KiB  
Article
Microbial Indicators Show the Rehabilitation Flow of Soil Microbiota After the Brumadinho Dam Collapse
by Paulo Wilson Goulart, Amanda Tristão Santini, Lutecia Rigueira Medina, Alan Emanuel Silva Cerqueira, Alex Castro Gazolla, Wiane Meloni Silva, Igor Rodrigues de Assis, Diego Aniceto, Sergio Oliveira de Paula and Cynthia Canêdo da Silva
Mining 2025, 5(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining5010016 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 58
Abstract
Iron ore extraction can lead to significant environmental degradation, particularly due to the generation of tailings during the beneficiation process. This issue was highlighted by the B1 dam collapse in Brumadinho, Brazil, in 2019. Therefore, the study and monitoring of affected areas is [...] Read more.
Iron ore extraction can lead to significant environmental degradation, particularly due to the generation of tailings during the beneficiation process. This issue was highlighted by the B1 dam collapse in Brumadinho, Brazil, in 2019. Therefore, the study and monitoring of affected areas is essential to assess soil quality throughout the rehabilitation process, whether through natural recovery or active rehabilitation practices. Microbial indicators can serve as valuable tools to track the recovery of these areas, given their high sensitivity and rapid response to environmental changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate soil microbial indicators, such as enzyme activity, microbial biomass carbon, microbial basal respiration and microbial diversity, and to select microbial approaches for monitoring the area affected by mining tailings in Brumadinho. The results indicated that the reference area initially outperformed the affected area on all evaluated bioindicators, highlighting environmental stress in the affected zone. Over the course of the study, the two areas began to show greater similarity, suggesting a natural recovery of the soil together with the return of natural vegetation. Indicators such as microbial carbon biomass went from values close to 50 mg of C Kg of soil−1 in the affected area, to around 200, statistically equal to the reference. qCO2 also varied in the affected area to values statistically equal to those of the reference over time, variated in the first collection to 0.25 mg of C-CO2 mg of C−1 h−1 in the affected area against 0.1 in the reference area; in the last collection, both areas presented values close to 0.2. Enzymatic activity had superior values in the reference area about the affected area, being urease, and arylsulfatase more sensitive to show differences between areas over time. The metataxonomic data again revealed indicator species for each environment, including genera such as Bacillus, Mycobacterium, Acidibacter, and Burkholderia representative of the reference, and the genera Ramlibacter, Sinomonas, Psedarthrobacter, and Knoellia indicators of the affected area. By the end of this study, the applicability of microbial indicators for monitoring soil microbiota and its ecosystem services was successfully demonstrated. In addition, specific microbial indicators were proposed for monitoring areas affected by iron mining tailings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Envisioning the Future of Mining, 2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 17362 KiB  
Article
Numerical Investigation of Transmission and Sealing Characteristics of Salt Rock, Limestone, and Sandstone for Hydrogen Underground Energy Storage in Ontario, Canada
by Peichen Cai and Shunde Yin
Mining 2025, 5(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining5010012 - 5 Feb 2025
Viewed by 332
Abstract
With the accelerating global transition to clean energy, underground hydrogen storage (UHS) has gained significant attention as a flexible and renewable energy storage technology. Ontario, Canada, as a pioneer in energy transition, offers substantial underground storage potential, with its geological conditions of salt, [...] Read more.
With the accelerating global transition to clean energy, underground hydrogen storage (UHS) has gained significant attention as a flexible and renewable energy storage technology. Ontario, Canada, as a pioneer in energy transition, offers substantial underground storage potential, with its geological conditions of salt, limestone, and sandstone providing diverse options for hydrogen storage. However, the hydrogen transport characteristics of different rock media significantly affect the feasibility and safety of energy storage projects, warranting in-depth research. This study simulates the hydrogen flow and transport characteristics in typical energy storage digital rock core models (salt rock, limestone, and sandstone) from Ontario using the improved quartet structure generation set (I-QSGS) and the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The study systematically investigates the distribution of flow velocity fields, directional characteristics, and permeability differences, covering the impact of hydraulic changes on storage capacity and the mesoscopic flow behavior of hydrogen in porous media. The results show that salt rock, due to its dense structure, has the lowest permeability and airtightness, with extremely low hydrogen transport velocity that is minimally affected by pressure differences. The microfracture structure of limestone provides uneven transport pathways, exhibiting moderate permeability and fracture-dominated transport characteristics. Sandstone, with its higher porosity and good connectivity, has a significantly higher transport rate compared to the other two media, showing local high-velocity preferential flow paths. Directional analysis reveals that salt rock and sandstone exhibit significant anisotropy, while limestone’s transport characteristics are more uniform. Based on these findings, salt rock, with its superior sealing ability, demonstrates the best hydrogen storage performance, while limestone and sandstone also exhibit potential for storage under specific conditions, though further optimization and validation are required. This study provides a theoretical basis for site selection and operational parameter optimization for underground hydrogen storage in Ontario and offers valuable insights for energy storage projects in similar geological settings globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Envisioning the Future of Mining, 2nd Edition)
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28 pages, 9725 KiB  
Article
Optimization of the Design of Underground Hydrogen Storage in Salt Caverns in Southern Ontario, Canada
by Jingyu Huang and Shunde Yin
Mining 2025, 5(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining5010009 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 332
Abstract
With the issue of energy shortages becoming increasingly serious, the need to shift to sustainable and clean energy sources has become urgent. However, due to the intermittent nature of most renewable energy sources, developing underground hydrogen storage (UHS) systems as backup energy solutions [...] Read more.
With the issue of energy shortages becoming increasingly serious, the need to shift to sustainable and clean energy sources has become urgent. However, due to the intermittent nature of most renewable energy sources, developing underground hydrogen storage (UHS) systems as backup energy solutions offers a promising solution. The thick and regionally extensive salt deposits in Unit B of Southern Ontario, Canada, have demonstrated significant potential for supporting such storage systems. Based on the stratigraphy statistics of unit B, this study investigates the feasibility and stability of underground hydrogen storage (UHS) in salt caverns, focusing on the effects of cavern shape, geometric parameters, and operating pressures. Three cavern shapes—cylindrical, cone-shaped, and ellipsoid-shaped—were analyzed using numerical simulations. Results indicate that cylindrical caverns with a diameter-to-height ratio of 1.5 provide the best balance between storage capacity and structural stability, while ellipsoid-shaped caverns offer reduced stress concentration but have less storage space, posing practical challenges during leaching. The results also indicate that the optimal pressure range for maintaining stability and minimizing leakage lies between 0.4 and 0.7 times the vertical in situ stress. Higher pressures increase storage capacity but lead to greater stress, displacements, and potential leakage risks, while lower pressure leads to internal extrusion tendency for cavern walls. Additionally, hydrogen leakage rate drops with the maximum working pressure, yet total leakage mass keeps a growing trend. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Envisioning the Future of Mining, 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 2956 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Socioeconomic Dynamics and Their Impact on Life Expectancy in Coal Mining Communities in Colombia
by Nayive Nieves Pimiento, Edwin Rivas Trujillo and Juan M. Menéndez Aguado
Mining 2024, 4(4), 994-1012; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining4040056 - 26 Nov 2024
Viewed by 727
Abstract
The study evaluates the socioeconomic dynamics and their impact on life expectancy in coal mining communities in Colombia, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), assessing the relationship between production, occupation, accident rates, mortality and royalties. Univariate, bivariate, path analysis and ARIMA models [...] Read more.
The study evaluates the socioeconomic dynamics and their impact on life expectancy in coal mining communities in Colombia, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), assessing the relationship between production, occupation, accident rates, mortality and royalties. Univariate, bivariate, path analysis and ARIMA models were used to identify patterns and projections. The results show a positive constraint between coal production and royalties, which is negative with the occupation, accident, and mortality rates. Despite the revenues generated, no improvements in the quality of life of mining communities are observed; the poor use of royalties reflects a lack of effective strategies to convert mining revenues into sustainable enhancements for local communities. It highlights the rush for more effective public policies to ensure that economic benefits are aligned with improvements in communities’ health, safety and quality of life. In the future, greater alignment with the SDGs, particularly SDG 3 (Health and Well-being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), will depend on a sustainable approach that prioritises investment in social infrastructure and the equitable distribution of resources derived from mining, thereby addressing current disparities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Envisioning the Future of Mining, 2nd Edition)
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9 pages, 197 KiB  
Article
Eight Conditions That Will Change Mining Work in Mining 4.0
by Joel Lööw and Jan Johansson
Mining 2024, 4(4), 904-912; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining4040050 - 24 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1660
Abstract
The mining industry is undergoing a transformation driven by the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, implementing autonomous trucks, drones, positions systems, and similar technologies. This article, drawing on experiences and observations from several studies conducted in the mining industry, explores the impact of [...] Read more.
The mining industry is undergoing a transformation driven by the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, implementing autonomous trucks, drones, positions systems, and similar technologies. This article, drawing on experiences and observations from several studies conducted in the mining industry, explores the impact of these technologies on mining work. It identifies eight key potential changes in working conditions. Firstly, routine and dangerous tasks are increasingly automated, reducing physical strain but potentially leading to job displacement and increased maintenance demands. Secondly, operators and managers are shifting toward handling disturbances and training algorithms, as AI takes over decision-making processes. Thirdly, managers are responsible for more capital with fewer people, potentially altering managerial roles and spans of control. Fourthly, the global connectivity of operations makes the world both larger and smaller, with a universal language blurring boundaries. Fifthly, work becomes location-independent, allowing for remote operation and management. Sixthly, the distinction between work and private life blurs, with increased availability expected from operators and managers. Seventhly, technology expands human senses, providing real-time data and situational awareness. Eighthly and lastly, the pervasive collection and retention of data create a scenario where one’s history is inescapable, raising concerns about data ownership and privacy. These changes necessitate a strategic response from the mining industry to ensure socially sustainable technology development and to attract a future workforce. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Envisioning the Future of Mining, 2nd Edition)
14 pages, 2555 KiB  
Article
Application of SAP to Improve the Handling Properties of Iron Ore Tailings of High Cohesiveness: Could a Reagent Help the Decommissioning Process of a Dam?
by Hely Simões Gurgel and Ivo André Homrich Schneider
Mining 2024, 4(4), 733-746; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining4040041 - 2 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1190
Abstract
This work aims to evaluate the use of a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) to provide improvements in the handling properties of iron ore tailings (IOT). The material studied came from the magnetic separation reprocessing of the material discarded at the Gelado Dam, located in [...] Read more.
This work aims to evaluate the use of a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) to provide improvements in the handling properties of iron ore tailings (IOT). The material studied came from the magnetic separation reprocessing of the material discarded at the Gelado Dam, located in Serra dos Carajás in the state of Pará, Brazil. While the concentrate presents reasonable handling conditions, the tailings, with 61.5% iron, 15% moisture, and 39% of the mass, have high cohesiveness and adhesiveness due to their fine nature and the climatic conditions of the Amazon rainforest. However, the tailings can still be considered a product as long as the handling and transportation logistics are feasible. Thus, studies with an SAP and IOT were carried out in a bench rotating drum to promote mixing between them, and the main variables studied were the SAP dosage and the required contact time. The improvement in the physical properties of the IOT were evaluated considering the Hausner ratio, Carr index, Jenike’s flow function index, Atterberg limits, and chute angle. The superabsorbent polymer promoted a significant improvement in the state of consistency of the material, and the best performance was obtained with a dosage of 1000 g t−1. As long as a suitable contact condition was promoted, a contact time of 1 min was enough to achieve the expected benefits. After dosing with the superabsorbent polymer, the material’s handling classification changed from ‘cohesive’ to ‘easy flow’, and the chute angle was reduced from 90° to levels below 60°. It was concluded that the application of the superabsorbent polymer has the potential to improve the fluidity of the material discarded in the magnetic concentration operation, allowing it to be handled throughout the production and transportation chain. The SAP appears to be an important additive for the full use of the material present in the dam (100% recovery), with both economic and socio-environmental benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Envisioning the Future of Mining, 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 2651 KiB  
Article
Towards Mine 4.0: A Proposed Multi-Layered Architecture for Real-Time Surveillance and Anomaly Detection in an Open-Pit Phosphate Mine
by Laila El Hiouile, Ahmed Errami and Nawfel Azami
Mining 2024, 4(3), 672-686; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining4030038 - 17 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1715
Abstract
Given the global importance and limited availability of phosphate, optimizing the use of this critical resource and minimizing its wastage are of paramount importance. In this context, this paper proposes an innovative architecture for the implementation of an intelligent video surveillance system specifically [...] Read more.
Given the global importance and limited availability of phosphate, optimizing the use of this critical resource and minimizing its wastage are of paramount importance. In this context, this paper proposes an innovative architecture for the implementation of an intelligent video surveillance system specifically designed for open-pit phosphate mines. The proposed architecture is designed to meet the overall functional requirements of a surveillance system in the challenging environment of open-pit mining, while aligning with the guidelines of the Mine 4.0 revolution. It incorporates advanced technologies that address the critical challenges of latency, data security, and transparency commonly encountered in traditional monitoring systems. By adopting a multi-layered approach that leverages edge, fog, and cloud computing, coupled with blockchain technology and expert collaboration, our architecture offers a comprehensive framework for efficient data processing at every stage, from initial data acquisition to real-time anomaly detection and decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Envisioning the Future of Mining, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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25 pages, 1869 KiB  
Review
Envisioning Human–Machine Relationship Towards Mining of the Future: An Overview
by Peter Kolapo, Nafiu Olanrewaju Ogunsola, Kayode Komolafe and Dare Daniel Omole
Mining 2025, 5(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining5010005 - 6 Jan 2025
Viewed by 510
Abstract
Automation is increasingly gaining attention as the global industry moves toward intelligent, unmanned approaches to perform hazardous tasks. Although the integration of autonomous technologies has revolutionized various industries for decades, the mining sector has only recently started to harness the potential of autonomous [...] Read more.
Automation is increasingly gaining attention as the global industry moves toward intelligent, unmanned approaches to perform hazardous tasks. Although the integration of autonomous technologies has revolutionized various industries for decades, the mining sector has only recently started to harness the potential of autonomous technology. Lately, the mining industry has been transforming by implementing automated systems to shape the future of mining and minimize human involvement in the process. Automated systems such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT), and data analytics have contributed immensely towards ensuring improved productivity and safety and promoting sustainable mineral industry. Despite the substantial benefits and promising potential of automation in the mining sector, its adoption faces challenges due to concerns about human–machine interaction. This paper extensively reviews the current trends, attempts, and trials in converting traditional mining machines to automated systems with no or less human involvement. It also delves into the application of AI in mining operations from the exploration phase to the processing stage. To advance the knowledge base in this domain, the study describes the method used to develop the human–machine interface (HMI) that controls and monitors the activity of a six-degrees-of-freedom robotic arm, a roof bolter machine, and the status of the automated machine. The notable findings in this study draw attention to the critical roles of humans in automated mining operations. This study shows that human operators are still relevant and must control, operate, and maintain these innovative technologies in mining operations. Thus, establishing an effective interaction between human operators and machines can promote the acceptability and implementation of autonomous technologies in mineral extraction processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Envisioning the Future of Mining, 2nd Edition)
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