Intelligent digital toolbox towards more sustainable and safer extraction of mineral resources

Project Information

NETHELIX

Grant agreement ID: 101092365

DOI

10.3030/101092365

Project closed

EC signature date 29 November 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 30 June 2026

Funded under

• Digital, Industry and Space

Total cost

€ 14 939 668,75

EU contribution

€ 11 145 398,63

Coordinated by

SATWAYS-OLOKLIROMENES LYSEIS ASFALEIAS KAI AMYNAS-IDIOTIKI EPICHEIRISI PAROCHIS YPIRESION ASFALEIAS (IEPYA)-ETAIREIA PERIORISMENIS EFTHYNIS
Greece

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - NETHELIX (Intelligent digital toolbox towards more sustainable and safer extraction of mineral resources)

Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

NETHELIX, a revolutionary initiative in the mining sector, aims to transform industry practices through sustainability. Focused on enhancing operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, NETHELIX deploys green and automated machinery, interconnects cyber-physical systems, and leverages data insights for better decision-making. The project integrates advanced tools, data-driven decision-making, worker wellbeing priorities, and eco-friendly extraction schemes to ensure efficient and environmentally-conscious mining operations. Tackling critical issues like safety, environmental impact, automation, predictive maintenance, and real-time coordination, NETHELIX demonstrates scenarios in open-pit and underground mining.
With a clear mission, NETHELIX develops remote-controlled and autonomous machinery tailored for mining, prioritizing eco-friendliness and worker safety. An advanced Decision Support System (DSS) empowers mining decision-makers, utilizing algorithms for informed choices that optimize resource efficiency. NETHELIX also pioneers eco-friendly mineral extraction methods, minimizing environmental impact. Promoting information exchange and best practices, NETHELIX strives for widespread adoption of sustainable mining. NETHELIX's technology toolbox encompasses automated machinery, improving safety, and an advanced DSS for real-time insights, optimizing decision-making. Novel extraction methods support sustainable resource utilization. NETHELIX's outcomes support the mining industry to boost efficiency, reduce environmental impact, enhance safety, and embrace sustainable practices, ultimately transforming the sector.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

• Successfully established a solid requirements basis. This foundational step has been crucial for clearly outlining the scope of the later development process, ensuring that all subsequent stages are built on well-defined and robust requirements. By setting these requirements, the project has created a roadmap that guides the development activities, reducing ambiguities and aligning efforts towards common goals.
• Realistic validation use cases and scenarios have been defined. By simulating real-world applications and challenges, these use cases ensure that the developed tools will be tested under conditions that closely mimic their intended operational environment. This approach enhances the reliability of the validation process and also provides valuable insights into the tools' performance and potential areas for improvement.
• A scalable system architecture has been designed. This architecture is modular, meaning it can be easily adapted to the specific needs of each pilot. This flexibility is essential for accommodating the diverse requirements of the project's various components and ensuring that the system can evolve as the project progresses. The modularity also facilitates easier integration and testing of individual tools, promoting a more efficient and streamlined development process.
• The project has initiated the development of approximately 20 different technical tools being at various stages of development including preliminary lab testing.
• Working groups encompassing end-users and technical partners have been established for fostering effective communication and collaboration. They ensure that there is a consistent and open dialogue between all stakeholders, facilitating the exchange of ideas and feedback.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

NETHELIX will address critical challenges of the mining industry such as health and safety aspects, environmental concerns, increased automation, predictive maintenance, resource efficiency, and real-time coordination of operations. The technical aspects and planned outcomes include:

Environmentally Friendly Machinery:
• High-precision electrified long-hole drilling to optimize energy efficiency and reduce emissions during drilling operations.
• Remote-controlled and autonomous mining equipment to automate hazardous tasks and reduce human exposure to risks.

Advanced Health and Safety Technologies:
• Laser-based air quality analyzers to ensure worker safety and environmental compliance.
• Smart wearables for health and safety to track worker health and safety parameters.
• 3D visualization, Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) for enhanced safety awareness and response capabilities.
• Health and safety monitoring and emergency incident management systems to predict and prevent potential hazards and ensure rapid response to emergencies.

Sustainable Mineral Extraction Techniques:
• Unmanned systems setup and payload development and integration for remote exploration, data collection, and surveying.
• AI-based hyperspectral imaging for minerals exploration and 3D mapping to identify and map mineral deposits more accurately and efficiently.
• Advanced materials processing for heap leaching for reducing environmental impact and improving resource recovery.
• Environmental monitoring and sustainability planning to implement comprehensive environmental monitoring systems and develop sustainable mining plans.
• Holistic operations risk assessment and continuity planning to conduct comprehensive risk assessments and develop robust continuity plans.

Optimization Algorithms and Decision Support Systems:
• Predictive maintenance based on advanced asset monitoring to reduce downtime and improve equipment lifespan.
• Operational optimization algorithms to streamline operations, reduce costs, and maximize resource utilization.
• DSS for strategic and day-to-day operational efficiency and cost reduction to provide real-time insights and recommendations for strategic and tactical decision-making.

Multi-Source Information Fusion Platform:
• Multi-source information fusion platform to enhance situational awareness and inform decision-making by integrating data from various sources.

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