Sustainable Mining Practices in the Future
From Demonstration to Market Perspectives
MINE.IO Final Event Workshop
About the Final Event Workshop
The MINE.IO Final Event marks the culmination of three years of collaborative research, development, and pilot‑scale validation carried out by a European consortium of industry, research organisations, and universities.
The event will bring together project partners, stakeholders, and the wider mining and raw materials community to present the key outcomes of the MINE.IO project and to demonstrate how its solutions contribute to safer, more autonomous, and more sustainable mining operations.
During the event, participants will gain insight into the developed technologies, results from the six pilot sites, and the broader vision of the Holistic Digital Mine 4.0 Ecosystem. The programme will combine technical presentations, demonstrations, and discussion sessions, offering a comprehensive overview of the project’s achievements and future potential.
There are two ways to participate in the event. On-site in Turin or remotely via online access (Zoom platform). The number of places in the on-site model is limited.
Date: 7th May 2026
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Politecnico di Torino Via Paolo Borsellino 38/16, Turin
Registration for the event is open to all interested participants.
We look forward to your participation in shaping the future of sustainable mining!

Register now
The agenda and additional informations about the event will be available soon. We will keep you informed about it on our social media! Don’t miss out – visit our social media and our website regularly.
Agenda
Meet the speakers

Dr Paula Lima is a Marine Biologist with a specialization in Aquaculture and work experience in Biomedical Engineering and in the last years in Marine Robotics. In 2017, she joined INESC TEC assistant researcher and project manager. Since 2020 she is also a Industry-research liaison officer at TEC4SEA (INESC TEC’s strategy for Marine Science).

Dr Vasileios Protonotarios, MSc is an active researcher/engineer/consultant for the last 24 years in the field of Environmental Technology, Waste Management and Chemical Engineering with special experience and skills in the field of solid waste management (including C&D and Hazardous Waste), recycling, soil remediation, brownfield site/quarries reclamation and risk assessment. He has conducted over 200 Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and other Technical Essays for the Industrial Sector, Technical Companies, Public Authorities and individuals. He has 29 publications in peer – reviewed journals and international conferences and some 600 citations. Dr. Protonotarios has participated in more than 20 research projects as main researcher, most of them in the field of waste management, recycling and brownfields restoration. Finally, he possesses a significant experience in laboratory analyses and handling of Special Chemical Laboratory Equipment. In 2015 he founded ENVITERRA P.C. (MME), bringing together specialized engineers and specialist scientists, with a long-term study and scientific career. The main objective is to provide high level Technical Consultancy, Study & Research Services to Industries, Technical Companies, Public Sector, Universities (national and international), NGOs, private individuals etc.

Dr Raul Mollehuara-Canales holds a PhD in Mining Engineering and Mineral Processing (Hydrogeophysics), an MSc in Water Resources Management (Hydrogeology in Mining), and a PEng in Chemical Engineering. He is a researcher at the Oulu Mining School in Finland,currently working at the intersections of hydrogeophysics, hydrogeology, and geochemistry of mining environments. His research focuses on the management of mining waste (including tailings facilities) and mine water from both a risk mitigation and a valorisation perspective for secondary mineral resources in a digitalised framework. Raul has earned He also has over 20 years of expertise in the mining industry, having managed sites, operations and projects involving mineral processing, mine water treatment, mining waste management, tailings facilities, environmental rehabilitation, and mine closure.

Max Friedemann received his Master in mechanical engineering in 2021. Afterwards he started to work as a research assistant at the chair for underground mining methods at TU Freiberg. Since 2021 he is working on digitalization strategies for underground mining. His first project was the development of a decentralized communication and data acquisition system. In 2023 the European funded project Mine.io started in which Max is working as project manager as well as developer for the sub-project “digitization of the drill rig”.

Dimitris Kassimis holds a Diploma in Business Economics, and a MSc in Technologies and Services for Intelligent Information and Communication Systems. He has more than 15 years experience in IT projects for the banking Industry and in nationally-funded projects. Dimitris Kassimis combines business acumen with project management skills, having participated as a project manager in various research projects, including recent projects HEU ONELAB – Medical laboratory technology (Project Reference 101073924), HEU ODYSSEUS – Unobtrusive Technologies for Secure and Seamless Border Crossing for Travel Facilitation (Project Reference 101073910), and HEU URBREATH – Nature-based Solution for Climate Neutrality improvement (Project Reference 101139711).

Mario Arancibia is an experienced geologist with a strong background in mineral deposits and project development, specializing in copper, gold and base metal mineral exploration across diverse geological scenarios such as Chile, Perú, Argentina, Panama and Canada. His career spans over 17 years in key roles with major mining companies where he led exploration and drilling programs, mine support, and technological implementations. Currently part of Muon Solutions Oy in Finland, Mario leads the development of innovative geoscience projects and provides technical expertise in applied technologies.

Dr Cristina Sáez Blázquez – Technical Mining Engineer and Engineer in Mining and Energy Technology from the University of Salamanca (2014), MSc in Mining Engineering and Energy Resources from the University of León (2018). She obtained her PhD with International Mention from the University of Salamanca in 2019 with a thesis on new techniques and applications of geothermal energy. During her research career she held different competitive contracts and awards related to renewable energy and mining innovation. She is co-author of more than 70 scientific publications and conference proceedings and has participated in the development of energy calculation patents. She has also completed research stays at the Universities of Turin and Padua. She is currently a Ramón y Cajal researcher at the University of Salamanca, working in the energy branch of the TIDOP Research Group.

Dr Sergio Perez holds a PhD in Civil Engineering and Transportation Infrastructure and brings more than 20 years of experience in urban mobility infrastructure and pavement engineering as a developer, researcher, and designer, with the past 15 years focused on electric mobility infrastructure and inductive wireless charging systems for electric vehicles, from concept development to real-world implementation, including contributions to patented solutions and next-generation Electric Road Systems. Before joining industry, Sergio worked in pavement research at BRRC and LCPC and collaborated with academic institutions in Europe and Latin America. Currently, Sergio is Business Development Manager for e-Mobility at ENRX in Germany, where he drives the development of Electric Road Systems and wireless charging solutions, building strategic partnerships and advancing sustainable mobility solutions for urban and highway applications. In 2023, he was also appointed Project Manager for ENRX within the European-funded Mine.io project, contributing to the development of digitalization and electrification solutions for mining applications.

Dr Georgios S. Kouzas (Male) holds a MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineer (1999) and a PhD diploma in Computer Science (2007) both from the National Technical University of Athens. From 2008 until 2013, he served at the University of the Aegean as visiting Lecturer in the Department of Financial and Management Engineering. He has been working as a freelancer since 2001 as software engineer and technical manager. During his 25 years career George Kouzas has acquired deep knowledge and profound experience in software development engineering and IoT infrastructures. He has participated in various research projects that focus on machine learning and sensor networks (IoT). His extensive research activity on computer science and information technology is reflected in his more than 20 publications in international journals and conferences.

Pål Huse holds a MSc (ME) from Chalmers University of Technology (SE) and has been working at Jotne for more than 30 years, a Norwegian SME based in Oslo, Norway. Jotne Connect specializes in Open Standards-based Digital Twin and Data Management, and in related standardization processes. JOTNE has been involved in standards development for decades, especially in the ISO 10303 family of standards

Dr Isabella Bianco – Assistant Professor in Environmental Engineering at Politecnico di Torino. She holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering (2018) from the same institution and is part of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) research group at the Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering (DIATI).
Her work focuses on the environmental and social sustainability of processes and products, including both mature systems and emerging technologies. She is involved in industry-funded projects as well as national and European research initiatives.
She has gained experience in several sectors, including mining, automotive, and textiles. She is the author of scientific publications and outreach contributions, as well as conference presentations.

Aristotelis Zompras is a science and technology professional specializing in innovation, UAV systems, and Digital Twin technologies.He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Polytechnic School of Patras.With expertise spanning advanced software architecture, IIoT, predictive analytics, and process simulation, he has led projects in predictive maintenance,border surveillance, waste management, and building services. He is working as a Senior Project Manager at Acceligence Ltd, an SME specializing in the design, development, system integration, and verification of custom-made robotics solutions, with a particular focus on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

Wojciech Anacki – Master of Science in Underground Mining, graduate of the AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków. Employed as an engineer at KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. Head Office, where he is responsible for the preparation and implementation of research, development and investment initiatives in mining, processing and related industries.

Paul Schönherr – studied in the field of materials science and materials technology at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg and received his degree in engineering at the Foundry Institute in 2021. Afterwards, he moved to the Institute of Nonferrous Metallurgy and Purest Materials as a doctoral student to work on his PhD in the field of Nonferrous Metallurgy.

Prof. Dr Eng. Alexandros Charitos – studied mechanical engineering at the National Technical University of Athens. He received his PhD in 2013 in the field of energy process engineering. From 2011 to 2018 he worked at Outotec GmbH & Co.KG in Oberusel. In 2019, he hold the position of Assistant Professor at McGill University in Canada and hold an adjunct professorship at the same university until 2023. Since March 2020 he holds the professorship for high temperature processes in metallurgy at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg. He is the director of the Institute of Nonferrous Metallurgy and Purest Materials. His field of expertise is energy and metallurgical process engineering.

Aymen Sarjam is an Innovation Consultant at PNO Innovation, leading European grants and innovation consultancy with more than 35 years of experience in the successful development and deployment of research, development, and investment projects. Leveraging his expertise in sustainability policy, as well as European energy policy and regulation, he supports industry leaders and research organisations in navigating the complex landscape of public funding opportunities. He coordinates the transformation of ambitious and innovative ideas into well-structured, fundable projects, while also guiding the development of impactful market deployment strategies that deliver economic, environmental, and societal value.
Learn more about the MINE.IO project
Let’s dive into the world of MINE.IO and explore together the exciting innovations we’re working on
2024 Workshop Edition Recap
The Sustainable Mining Practices in the Future workshop, part of the MINE.IO project, took place on November 21, 2024, in Luleå, Sweden. The event gathered industry experts, technology providers, researchers, and business leaders to explore innovative solutions for more sustainable and efficient mining.
Participants exchanged insights on new technologies, automation, and digitalization, sharing strategies to improve eco-efficiency, safety, and sustainability in mining operations. The workshop served as a key platform for collaboration, supporting the future of responsible mining.
Check out our 2024 WORKSHOP summary
Before the next workshop, take some time to review what we discussed about the project during the previous edition.
2023 Workshop Edition Recap
The inaugural MINE.IO Workshop, held on October 20, 2023, was a resounding success. It brought together over 60 participants from around the globe, including end users, industry representatives, technology service providers, scientists, and business managers in the mining sector. The discussions centered on pressing challenges such as sustainability, safety, automation, and digitalization in mining.
Our participants engaged deeply with the presented pilots, making the workshop a significant platform for sharing knowledge and innovative solutions. The event highlighted the potential of Industry 4.0 technologies, including AI, to foster safer, more efficient, and sustainable mining operations, thereby setting a benchmark for future practices in the industry
Check out our 2023 WORKSHOP summary
Before the next workshop, take some time to review what we discussed about the project during the previous edition.
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