Mine.io at PDAC 2026

Mine.io at PDAC 2026: Advancing Europe’s Vision for Sustainable and Secure Raw Materials

Mine.io is proud to highlight the participation of our project partners Jari Joutsenvaara from the University of Oulu (Finland) and Jan Niemi  from Luleå University of Technology at PDAC 2026, the world’s leading mineral exploration and mining convention, held from 1–4 March 2026 in Toronto, Canada.

The event gathered more than 27,000 participants from over 125 countries, reaffirming its position as the key global platform shaping the future of mineral exploration, innovation, and sustainable resource development.

A Global Stage for Innovation and Collaboration

PDAC 2026 once again demonstrated its status as the sector’s most influential gathering. With 1,300+ exhibitors, 700 presenters, and extensive technical programs, the convention provided a dynamic environment for discussions on emerging technologies, responsible mining practices, and the challenges of securing raw materials in a rapidly evolving world.

Throughout the four‑day event, industry leaders, researchers, investors, and policymakers engaged in networking, technical sessions, keynotes, and business development opportunities.

As PDAC’s President Karen Rees noted, the convention took place amid intensifying global competition to secure the minerals underpinning modern economies, underscoring the urgency of building resilient and sustainable raw materials supply chains.

The EU at PDAC: Strengthening Strategic Autonomy in Raw Materials

The European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) represented the European Union at PDAC 2026, showcasing Europe’s commitment to ensuring secure and sustainable access to critical raw materials. This presence aligns with the EU’s broader strategy to reduce import dependency, foster innovation, and promote circularity.

HaDEA highlighted ongoing and upcoming Horizon Europe funding opportunities across the full raw materials value chain — from exploration and extraction to processing, recycling, and advanced circular approaches.
The 2026–2027 Horizon Europe Work Programme focuses on:

• innovative exploration and data‑modelling technologies,
• sustainable extraction of critical raw materials,
• monitoring and boosting availability of secondary raw materials,
• advanced processing solutions.

These priorities are closely aligned with the mission of Mine.io to develop smarter, safer, and more sustainable mining operations through digitalisation and cutting‑edge research.

Mine.io Representation: University of Oulu at the Centre of Dialogue

Representing Mine.io, Jari Joutsenvaara joined the EU delegation at Booth 931, where he engaged with international stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers to discuss innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability in mining.

A dedicated Mine.io project presentation took place on 3 March at 13:05, offering attendees the opportunity to explore the project’s approach to improving safety, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility across mining operations.

Why PDAC Matters for Mine.io and Europe

Europe’s transition toward clean energy, digitalisation, and long‑term industrial competitiveness depends on secure access to critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and advanced metals. Achieving this requires:

• strengthening domestic exploration and processing capacity,
• increasing recycling and circular material flows,
• diversifying import sources,
• supporting technological innovation across the full raw materials value chain.

Mine.io plays a central role in this effort not only by developing low‑impact, high‑efficiency mining solutions but also by spearheading deep digitalisation across the entire mining value chain — from exploration and extraction to processing, waste management, and post‑mining activities. This was also emphasized during the presentation mentioned earlier, which can be viewed below

Digitalisation & Advanced Technologies Driving Mine.io’s Impact

Mine.io introduces a comprehensive Digital Mine 4.0 ecosystem, deploying state‑of‑the‑art digital, robotic, and smart sustainable technologies that enhance transparency, safety, automation, and operational optimisation across the sector.
Key technological pillars include:

• Digital Twins & Cyber‑Physical Systems
  Cloud‑based digital twin architectures simulate and optimise operations, enabling predictive analysis, real‑time decision‑making, and integrated asset management.
• AI, Machine Learning & Predictive Maintenance
  Data‑driven optimisation tools are applied to mineral processing, equipment performance, drilling operations, and smelting — including AI‑enhanced flotation optimisation and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Muon‑Based Geophysical Technologies
  Innovative muon tomography enhances tailings and waste monitoring, enabling non‑invasive, high‑resolution mapping of underground structures and environmental risks.
• Robotics & Autonomous Systems
  Autonomous and semi‑autonomous robots — such as the underwater UX‑1Neo platform — support safe inspection, mapping, and operation in hazardous or inaccessible environments.
• Uniform Data Infrastructure & Future‑Ready Blockchain Integration
  Mine.io develops open, secure data‑sharing architectures that enable interoperability, traceability, and collaboration across the mining ecosystem — foundational for transparent supply chains.
• Workflow Automation & Operational Efficiency
  Automated workflows streamline processes, reduce workload, increase productivity, and enhance decision support at every stage of the mine‑to‑market chain.
• AI‑assisted Flotation Optimisation
  Using ML‑based froth image analysis and the photonic PIT system to estimate froth content and develop AI‑driven control algorithms for flotation optimization.

At our booth, potential stakeholders had the opportunity to watch a short video highlighting the key objectives of the Mine.io project

Through these technologies, Mine.io contributes to Europe’s strategic autonomy by providing a resilient, digital, and sustainable mining framework that supports secure access to raw materials while reducing environmental impact and improving operational performance.

Looking Ahead

Mine.io will continue to foster international collaboration, participate in global industry events like PDAC, and leverage Horizon Europe programmes to advance research and innovation capacity.
The insights gained through the University of Oulu’s participation contribute directly to the development of next‑generation mining technologies — supporting Europe’s long‑term vision of secure, sustainable, and digitally enabled raw materials supply chains.