Periodic Reporting for period 2 - Mine.io (A Holistic Digital Mine 4.0 Ecosystem)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2024-07-01 do 2025-06-30
The fourth industrial revolution has significantly changed the traditional way of managing supply chains. The applications of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Machine-to-Machine communication (M2M) and cloud computing, in different processes of supply chains have assisted companies to improve their performance. Entire industries are taking new forms.
For the raw material sector, Mining 4.0 offers new possibilities for increased productivity and at the same time could create stimulating workplaces in a good work environment, by advancing automation, autonomous processes and remote control in the mining and processing value chains. Industrial digitalization will offer the potential to deliver significant improvements by improving the quality and availability of data and information in mining operations, delivering significant productivity gains and economic performance.
On the other hand, much of society as well as investors are demanding greater transparency concerning the true social, economic, and environmental impact of the mining activities. In order to meet the increasing social and environmental concerns, a resource optimization and digital transformation framework for enabling specific circular economy and “low-impact mining” strategies is required. There is also a need to making energy a core focus of overall design and operational planning and execution, throughout the life of the mine and beyond. Energy innovations, including the transition to electric vehicles, will lead to socially conscious profit, while creating a safer and cleaner environment for front-line workers, including higher air quality for those working underground. In the context of industrialization, informatization and sustainable development of the mining sector, Mine.io solution will build a novel mining digital ecosystem and a systemic structure for the implementation of I4.0 in mining industrial environments. Mine.io solution will embrace the whole mining value chain from resources’ exploration, extraction, and processing to waste management and post mining activity.
In line with the above, our fundamental concept is the provision of a manufacturing system architecture, under cloud environment, to be applied in the digital twin (DT) mining “shop floor”. Mine.io envisions an innovative cloud services system and a novel mining ecosystem of sharing, interconnection, and open cooperation. For achieving this, Mine.io will establish a unified data infrastructure and collaborative platform ecosystem to promote the openness and sharing of data and improve the cooperation environment between mining enterprises. Mine.io aims the enhanced systematization of the basic processes of the mining industry, that involve asset and process equipment optimization, through embedded predictive analytics, and optimization procedures based on completely data-driven processes and the integrated cyber- virtual and cyber-physical systems, automation and robotization of mining exploration and production processes and sustainable mining and post mining management. Mine.io ecosystem will be validated in different demonstration sites, involving 4 operational mine facilities and 2 historic mine sites, in 5 EU countries.
For the raw material sector, Mining 4.0 offers new possibilities for increased productivity and at the same time could create stimulating workplaces in a good work environment, by advancing automation, autonomous processes and remote control in the mining and processing value chains. Industrial digitalization will offer the potential to deliver significant improvements by improving the quality and availability of data and information in mining operations, delivering significant productivity gains and economic performance.
On the other hand, much of society as well as investors are demanding greater transparency concerning the true social, economic, and environmental impact of the mining activities. In order to meet the increasing social and environmental concerns, a resource optimization and digital transformation framework for enabling specific circular economy and “low-impact mining” strategies is required. There is also a need to making energy a core focus of overall design and operational planning and execution, throughout the life of the mine and beyond. Energy innovations, including the transition to electric vehicles, will lead to socially conscious profit, while creating a safer and cleaner environment for front-line workers, including higher air quality for those working underground. In the context of industrialization, informatization and sustainable development of the mining sector, Mine.io solution will build a novel mining digital ecosystem and a systemic structure for the implementation of I4.0 in mining industrial environments. Mine.io solution will embrace the whole mining value chain from resources’ exploration, extraction, and processing to waste management and post mining activity.
In line with the above, our fundamental concept is the provision of a manufacturing system architecture, under cloud environment, to be applied in the digital twin (DT) mining “shop floor”. Mine.io envisions an innovative cloud services system and a novel mining ecosystem of sharing, interconnection, and open cooperation. For achieving this, Mine.io will establish a unified data infrastructure and collaborative platform ecosystem to promote the openness and sharing of data and improve the cooperation environment between mining enterprises. Mine.io aims the enhanced systematization of the basic processes of the mining industry, that involve asset and process equipment optimization, through embedded predictive analytics, and optimization procedures based on completely data-driven processes and the integrated cyber- virtual and cyber-physical systems, automation and robotization of mining exploration and production processes and sustainable mining and post mining management. Mine.io ecosystem will be validated in different demonstration sites, involving 4 operational mine facilities and 2 historic mine sites, in 5 EU countries.
The Mine.io project is advancing digital technologies to make mining safer, more efficient, and sustainable, with significant progress achieved by Month 30 across key areas.
A digital platform is under development and being tested at pilot sites across Europe. It enables real-time data collection and processing, with built-in features for secure communication, data protection, and efficient management of high-frequency sensor data.
To increase transparency and efficiency, the project has developed a workflow automation system and a blockchain-based traceability platform to track material and waste flows, support regulatory compliance, and improve documentation.
In underwater exploration, a sealed-mode muon telescope was successfully tested in flooded environments, confirming its stability for extended use. The EVA and UX1-Neo autonomous underwater robots were upgraded with advanced mapping, navigation, and sensing capabilities, enabling autonomous operation in submerged mines. A cyber-physical system for drilling was also established by retrofitting rigs with MWD sensors and creating a virtual testbed to support predictive subsurface modeling.
Above ground, UAVs with integrated sensors have been used to create high-resolution 3D maps of tailings and stockpiles, supporting environmental planning and resource recovery.
In mineral processing, the PIT vision system has been installed at a pilot site, using multi-camera imaging and machine learning to monitor and control the flotation process in real time, improving mineral recovery.
Workload planning tools for both surface and underground operations have been developed, using metaheuristic algorithms and IIoT data to dynamically schedule resources. Initial blockchain integration adds transparency and traceability.
For environmental monitoring, a remote sensing system combining passive seismic and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) has been deployed at a pilot site. This supports continuous monitoring of tailings facilities and predictive risk management.
Data collection is ongoing to assess the societal and environmental impacts of Mine.io technologies, using a custom tool based on Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) methodology.
Overall, Mine.io is making progress toward building a more digital, intelligent, and responsible mining industry.
A digital platform is under development and being tested at pilot sites across Europe. It enables real-time data collection and processing, with built-in features for secure communication, data protection, and efficient management of high-frequency sensor data.
To increase transparency and efficiency, the project has developed a workflow automation system and a blockchain-based traceability platform to track material and waste flows, support regulatory compliance, and improve documentation.
In underwater exploration, a sealed-mode muon telescope was successfully tested in flooded environments, confirming its stability for extended use. The EVA and UX1-Neo autonomous underwater robots were upgraded with advanced mapping, navigation, and sensing capabilities, enabling autonomous operation in submerged mines. A cyber-physical system for drilling was also established by retrofitting rigs with MWD sensors and creating a virtual testbed to support predictive subsurface modeling.
Above ground, UAVs with integrated sensors have been used to create high-resolution 3D maps of tailings and stockpiles, supporting environmental planning and resource recovery.
In mineral processing, the PIT vision system has been installed at a pilot site, using multi-camera imaging and machine learning to monitor and control the flotation process in real time, improving mineral recovery.
Workload planning tools for both surface and underground operations have been developed, using metaheuristic algorithms and IIoT data to dynamically schedule resources. Initial blockchain integration adds transparency and traceability.
For environmental monitoring, a remote sensing system combining passive seismic and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) has been deployed at a pilot site. This supports continuous monitoring of tailings facilities and predictive risk management.
Data collection is ongoing to assess the societal and environmental impacts of Mine.io technologies, using a custom tool based on Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) methodology.
Overall, Mine.io is making progress toward building a more digital, intelligent, and responsible mining industry.
By Month 30, Mine.io has delivered several innovations that advance digital mining. A sealed-mode muon telescope was successfully tested in flooded environments, extending muon imaging to previously inaccessible areas. The EVA and UX1-Neo AUVs were upgraded with AI navigation and 3D mapping, enabling autonomous underwater exploration.
A blockchain-based traceability platform was developed to securely track materials and waste, supporting regulatory compliance and circular economy goals. Digital twins, sensor fusion, and machine learning have been integrated into smelting and flotation systems, improving process monitoring and control at pilot scale. For environmental safety, a remote monitoring system combining passive seismic and ERT was deployed to assess tailings storage in real time, enhancing risk prediction. These advances support more sustainable mining practices. Ongoing efforts will focus on further research, pilot demonstrations, commercialization, and international collaboration.
A blockchain-based traceability platform was developed to securely track materials and waste, supporting regulatory compliance and circular economy goals. Digital twins, sensor fusion, and machine learning have been integrated into smelting and flotation systems, improving process monitoring and control at pilot scale. For environmental safety, a remote monitoring system combining passive seismic and ERT was deployed to assess tailings storage in real time, enhancing risk prediction. These advances support more sustainable mining practices. Ongoing efforts will focus on further research, pilot demonstrations, commercialization, and international collaboration.