From Observation to Action: Autonomous & Electrified Mining in Demonstration
The third session of the Mine.io Final Event focused on Autonomous & Electrified Operations, presenting a broad spectrum of technologies currently being developed and validated within the project.
The session combined system-level perspectives with detailed demonstrations supported by video material and expert commentary, forming a coherent exhibition talk that allowed the audience to follow not only what the technologies are, but how they operate in practice and what their real-world limitations are.
Autonomy and Electrification as System-Level Transformation
The session clearly positioned autonomy and electrification not as standalone innovations, but as key components of a broader transformation of mining operations.
The evolution discussed during the session includes:
- transition from operator-controlled to remotely assisted systems,
- progressive automation of repetitive and hazardous processes,
- electrification of equipment to reduce emissions and energy consumption,
- integration of digital control systems across operational layers.
Importantly, these developments were framed not as isolated improvements, but as steps toward fully integrated, data-driven mining systems, as highlighted throughout the exhibition-oriented session.
Autonomous Systems and Control Technologies
A significant part of the session focused on autonomous operation systems, including navigation, positioning and control mechanisms.
The presented approaches demonstrated:
- the use of sensor-based navigation in constrained environments,
- real-time control systems enabling safe autonomous movement,
- interaction between operators and automated systems in hybrid operational modes,
- progressive shift from supervised autonomy to higher levels of independence.
These systems are particularly relevant in environments where:
- visibility is limited,
- conditions are unstable,
- or human access is restricted due to safety constraints.
A dedicated part of the session focused on planning and task definition for autonomous operations, presented through a recorded demonstration explaining how operational scenarios are structured before execution.
This included:
- definition of operational tasks and mission parameters,
- spatial planning of routes and working zones,
- configuration of system behaviour depending on environmental conditions,
- preparation of scenarios for autonomous or semi-autonomous execution.
These elements showed that autonomy is not limited to real-time control, but begins at the level of structured planning and scenario design, which directly determines how systems operate in practice.
The session also addressed autonomous vehicle behaviour and perception systems, including the ability to detect and respond to dynamic obstacles.
The presented solutions covered:
- obstacle detection using sensor-based perception systems,
- recognition of objects and presence of personnel,
- real-time decision-making in changing environments,
- safety-oriented control mechanisms ensuring reliable operation.
This part of the session demonstrated how autonomy is achieved through the combination of sensing, interpretation and control, consistently reinforced through the exhibition format of the session.
Autonomous Navigation & 3D Mapping in Mining | By: Acceligence LTD
Electrification and Energy-Efficient Operation
Electrification was presented as a complementary direction to automation, enabling:
- reduction of emissions in underground environments,
- improved energy efficiency,
- lower operational noise and thermal load,
- better compatibility with digital control and monitoring systems.
The session also included a detailed presentation of electrified mining vehicles, where the focus was placed on the underlying technologies enabling their operation.
This included:
- electric drivetrains and energy management systems,
- battery technologies adapted to underground conditions,
- system integration enabling compatibility with autonomous control,
- performance considerations in constrained and demanding environments.
The presentation highlighted how electrification is implemented in practice, including the challenges of integrating power systems with operational and control requirements, as demonstrated within the technology exhibition context.
Robotic Systems for Flooded and Inaccessible Environments
Another distinctive and technically advanced part of the session focused on robotic platforms designed for flooded underground workings, presented as part of the broader technology exhibition.
These systems are intended for environments where:
- traditional access is no longer possible,
- structures are unstable or unknown,
- and direct inspection would be unsafe or impossible.
The demonstrated robotic platforms showed capabilities such as:
- operation in fully submerged conditions,
- navigation within narrow and irregular underground geometries,
- stability and control in low-visibility environments,
- integration of multiple sensing systems for data acquisition.
This type of system significantly extends the operational reach of mining technologies into previously inaccessible zones.
High-Resolution 3D Imaging of Subsurface Structures
A key strength of the session was the presentation of technologies enabling advanced spatial reconstruction of underground environments, particularly flooded structures, forming one of the most compelling elements of the exhibition showcase.
The systems demonstrated were capable of generating:
- detailed 3D models of underground voids,
- spatial representations of galleries and shafts,
- structural information supporting further analysis and planning.
The ability to reconstruct underground space provides a new level of understanding of mining infrastructure.
Advanced Sensing Approaches
The session also touched on more advanced approaches to underground imaging, including concepts inspired by non-invasive sensing techniques such as muon-based detection methods.
These approaches enable:
- analysis of internal structures without direct access,
- identification of voids and density variations,
- mapping of areas that cannot be reached by conventional tools.
From Technology to Application
An important aspect of the session was the contextualisation of technologies within real operational scenarios, reinforced by their presentation within an exhibition talk format.
The described solutions showed clear application potential in:
- abandoned and legacy mining sites,
- flooded underground environments,
- deep and complex geological settings,
- areas with high safety constraints.
Integration of Technologies
A strong message emerging from the session was the importance of integration across technological domains.
The presented systems combine:
- robotics,
- sensing and imaging technologies,
- control and navigation systems,
- electrified equipment,
- data processing and visualisation tools.
Learn more about the three technology groups highlighted above in our dedicated articles
Key Insights
The session highlighted:
- increasing role of robotics in exploration tasks,
- growing importance of high-quality spatial data,
- need for interoperability between systems,
- gradual transition toward higher autonomy levels,
- convergence of electrification and digitalisation.
Taken together, the solutions presented during this session demonstrate that Autonomous & Electrified Operations are already moving beyond isolated technologies toward integrated, real-world applications, combining control systems, electrification, robotics and advanced sensing into coherent operational frameworks.
Implementation and technological contribution
The solutions discussed were developed and deployed through pilot activities by the following partners, combining expertise in sensing, data processing, systems integration, and digital platforms:
- Björkdal Gold Mine / Mandalay Resources (BDG)
- ENRX (ENRX)
- ACCELIGENCE LTD (ACC)
- Luleå University of Technology (LTU)
- Fundación Tecnalia Research & Innovation (TEC)
- INESC TEC (INE)
- Muon Solutions Oy (MUO)
- Wigner Research Centre for Physics (WRCP)
- Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (FhG)
Watch the Session & Explore Materials
If you were not present at our final event, you can watch the full recording of the Pilot Demonstration II session here:
🎥 Final Event Recap: Session 3 | Pilot Demonstrators II – Autonomous & Electrified Operations https://youtu.be/PB8fGCDOhJI?si=PLMzyKMp71kDzmY3
Next in the Series
In the next article, we will explore environmental and circular aspects of mining, focusing on resource efficiency, environmental impact, and sustainable management of mining operations.
