Innovative & Responsible Mining

2023 Summary Workshop

About the workshop

Mine.io Workshop: Celebrating a Successful Event!

The workshop held on October 20, 2023 brought together end users, representatives from the mining industry, technology service providers, scientific research units, and business managers in the mining field. With over 60 participants from all the world actively engaging in discussions on the presented Pilots, the event proved to be a remarkable platform for sharing insights and advancing the mining industry.

The workshop focused on addressing crucial challenges facing the mining industry, including sustainable practices, safety, automation, and digitalization. The solutions presented during the event showcased innovative approaches that could lead to more eco-efficient, safe, and sustainable mining operations. By incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies, including AI, into the mining sector, Mine.io aims to revolutionize the industry and drive positive change.

Pilot 1.1: Germany

Presentation from the first MINE.IO online workshop on “Innovative & Responsible Mining”. (20.10.2023)

Pilot 1.2: Germany

Presentation from the first MINE.IO online workshop on “Innovative & Responsible Mining”. (20.10.2023)

Pilot 2: Poland

Presentation from the first MINE.IO online workshop on “Innovative & Responsible Mining”. (20.10.2023)

Pilot 3: Greece

Presentation from the first MINE.IO online workshop on “Innovative & Responsible Mining”. (20.10.2023)

Pilot 4: Finland

Presentation from the first MINE.IO online workshop on “Innovative & Responsible Mining”. (20.10.2023)

Pilot 5: Germany

Presentation from the first MINE.IO online workshop on “Innovative & Responsible Mining”. (20.10.2023)

Pilot 6: Portugal

Presentation from the first MINE.IO online workshop on “Innovative & Responsible Mining”. (20.10.2023)

MINE.IO Architecture

Presentation from the first MINE.IO online workshop on “Innovative & Responsible Mining”. (20.10.2023)

Report from the Workshop’s plenary sessions

Welcome by Julia Kostro (Ł-ITR)

Expand the sections below to see a brief recap of each Workshop session and to listen and watch short videos of our experts speaking.

Abaut the project:
During his presentation, Dr. Ilesh Datani discussed the main assumptions of the project (including the assumed goals to be achieved , the expected results and the anticipated impact on sustainable development of mining) and also presented the “Mentimeter” tool, which was used to exchange opinions, comments and insights of the participants during the following plenary sessions of the workshop.


Presented by Ilesh Dattani (GFT)

The Mine.io Architecture for Digital Miner:
The first version specification of the Mine.io Reference Architecture has derived from the analysis of Mining Operations (e.g., exploration, extraction, mineral processing and waste management) and supply chain management operations, as well as from their alignment with digital technologies for mining processes.

During his session, Dr. John Saldatos spoke about the Top-down/Bottom-Up Methodology (used to define the architecture concept of a digitized mining ecosystem), Mine.io High Level Reference Model (Domain) and Architecture (Logical View), several examples of Mine.io’s Process Views, and potential implementation and deployment issues.

A quick look (overview) at these issues is shown here:

Presented by John Soldatos (INNOV-ACTS)

At the end of the session, Workshop participants discussed what challenges Mine.io architecture implementation faces and how they could be addressed.

The discussion highlighted potential implementation and deployment problems that can occur due to the widely varying digital maturity of mining facilities at different levels of the supply chain.

Listen to our expert’s commentary on this issue:

You can learn more about the Mine.io ecosytem architecture from our website and Innov-acts blog post.

Use Case: Reiche Zeche, Germany (Pilot 1.1)
The lecture included the presentation of the pilot site at the Reiche Zeche research and education mine in Freiberg. The project includes the digitization of a core drilling rig where measurements and evaluations are performed during drilling. The second part includes the creation of a digital twin of the ventilation system at the research and education mine. For both projects the basics have been presented.

A quick look (overview) at these issues is shown here:

Presented by Max Friedmann (TUBAF)

At the end of the session, workshop participants tried to answer questions: “Where does the solution presented in Pilot 1.1 will impact more?” and “In your opinion which of these areas are most at risk when implementing Pilot 1.1?”.

Listen to our expert’s commentary on this issue:

Use Case: Digital Smelter, Germany (Pilot 1.2)
The presentation introduced the Top Submerged Lance (TSL) smelter at the Institute of Nonferrous Metallurgy at TU Bergakademie Freiberg and gave a brief overview of the upcoming work to create a digital twin. With the help of novel sensor technology, metallurgical processes are to be monitored to predict their progress and controlled to facilitate optimal impurity removal and valuable metal recovery.

A quick look (overview) at these issues is shown here:

Presented by Dr. Beate Fankhänel (TUBAF)

At the end of the session, workshop participants tried to answer questions: “Where does the solution presented in Pilot 1.2 will impact more?” and “In your opinion which of these areas are most at risk when implementing Pilot 1.2 solution?”

Listen to our expert’s commentary on this issue:

Use Case: Poland (Pilot 2)
Presentation was focused on the application of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in the mineral processing plant, especially in the flotation process control. The Pilot in the KGHM has been described.

A quick look (overview) at these issues is shown here:

Presented by Dr. Jacek Galas (Ł-ITR)

At the end of the session, workshop participants tried to answer questions: “Where does the solution presented in Pilot 2 will impact more” and “In your opinion which of these areas are most at risk when implementing Pilot 2 solution?”.

Listen to our expert’s commentary on this issue:

Short break for participants.

Use Case: Greece (Pilot 3)

Geochemical Mapping of Soils and Mining Wastes in Lavrion Historic Mine Site –
Post Mining Environmental Management


In his presentation, Dr. Protonotarios described the Pilot Site 3 at Lavrion, Greece. The focus was on the history of the site and the current challenges for rehabilitation of areas heavily polluted by mining and metallurgical activities. Finally, he provided a brief description of how the MINE.IO strategies will be implemented at the Pilot Site.

A quick look (overview) at these issues is shown here:

Presented by Dr Vassilis Protonotarios (AMDC)

At the end of the session, workshop participants tried to answer questions: “Where does the solution presented in Pilot 3 will impact more?” and “In your opinion which of these areas are most at risk when implementing Pilot 3 solution?”

Listen to our expert’s commentary on this issue:

Use Case: Finland (Pilot 4)

Multi-source geophysical data fusion and interpretation for monitoring, assessment and management of tailings facilities


Presentation was about the use case that will apply non-invasive geophysical techniques to map the subsurface of tailings embankments and translate the geophysical signatures in terms of hydrogeological and elastic conditions.

A quick look (overview) at these issues is shown here:

Presented by: Raul Mollehuara Canales (OULU)

At the end of the session, workshop participants tried to answer questions: “Where does the solution presented in Pilot 4 will impact more?” and “In your opinion which of these areas are most at risk when implementing Pilot 4 solution?”

Listen to our expert’s commentary on this issue:

Use Case: Niederschlag fluorspar mine, Germany (Pilot 5)

Active fluorspar mine in Germany, Kurort Oberwiesenthale
This presentation provided an overview of how mines are designed for vein-type deposits. It explored the challenge of aligning operational requirements with the complexities of automated and electrified mining processes. Also examination of the safety considerations crucial for electrified and automated mining operations were performed. Lastly, we discussed the potential economic advantages that come with adopting electrification and automation in mining practices.

A quick look (overview) at these issues is shown here:

Presented by Gunther Pieplow (EFS)

At the end of the session, workshop participants tried to answer questions: “Where does the solution presented in Pilot 5 will impact more?” and “In your opinion which of these areas are most at risk when implementing Pilot 5 solution?”

Listen to our expert’s commentary on this issue:

Use Case: Water- Filled Mines, Portugal (Pilot 6)

During his presentation, Carlos Almeida (INESC TEC) spoke about the enormous scale of the challenges associated with exploring flooded underground mines. He discussed the planned work, which includes using the UX-1Neo robot, as a breakthrough solution for mapping these environments. The Mine.io project represents a step towards free and autonomous underwater exploration. Two test sites were presented, for the exploration of this single vision: the Malaposta open pit and the Urgeiriça closed uranium mine. Chosen for their accessibility and unique features, these sites will serve as testing grounds for deploying and evaluating the untethered and autonomous underwater robot, integrated with Muon telescope technology. The data collected from these tests will contribute to a digital model, enhancing our understanding of these complex environments.

A quick look (overview) at these issues is shown here:
Presented by Carlos Almeida (INESC TEC)

At the end of the session, workshop participants tried to answer questions: “Where does the solution presented in Pilot 6 will impact more?” and “In your opinion which of these areas are most at risk when implementing Pilot 6 solution?”

Listen to our expert’s commentary on this issue:

Open discussion and closing remarks

During the final session, Julia Kostro moderated a discussion between workshop participants and experts. Participants in the discussion focused on the following topics/questions/concerns/issues:

What are some of the most pressing digitalisation challenges faced by the mining industry today?

Which of these emerging technologies will most improve mining operations and increase efficiency: IoT, Automation, Drones, Artificial Intelligence (AI), DLT (blockchain), Digital twins?

Watch the video of this moderated discussion and workshop summary:
Moderated by Julia Kostro (Ł-ITR)

Many thanks to all the participants for their engagement and active participation in the workshop!
Continuing with the threads discussed at the workshop, we strongly encourage anyone willing to post their own insights/observations/suggestions on these topics in the blog comments at the end of the workshop page or in the posts available below (feel free to read them).

Together, let’s shape the future of the mining industry and drive positive change!

Read more in our Awareness Campaign

Meet the speakers

Ilesh Dattani
MINE.IO Project Coordinator


CTO/Founder of Assentian, UK/US Fintech veteran, Certified Information Security Auditor, and Chartered Engineer. Holds degrees from UCL and Yale, with 15 years innovating in Financial Services, and 8 in Civil Aviation. Advises/boards Cyber Security start-ups globally, mentors in top accelerators, and contributes to ISO/IEC tech committees. Co-founded a US family fund for early, high-impact start-ups, advises Prota Ventures, and aids Enterprise Ireland. Currently, he backs spin-outs as an investor and CTO, specializing in innovative tech for Insurance, Cyber Security, Supply Chain Management, and Privacy-Preserving Cryptography across multiple countries.

Dr. John Soldatos, PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering, is an IoT and AI expert. He’s an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow, UK, and was an Associate Professor at Athens Information Technology. His vast experience includes collaborating with major multinationals and advising high-tech startups. Dr. Soldatos excels in IoT and AI technologies, contributing to projects in smart cities, finance, and Industry 4.0/5.0. As a co-founder of OpenIoT, he’s published 200+ articles, authored technical whitepapers, and co-edited nine books on AI, IoT, Security, and Critical Infrastructure Protection.

Dr Vassilis Protonotarios

Dr. Vasileios Protonotarios, MSc is an active researcher/engineer/consultant for 23 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 Mining 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. He has 29 publications, and over 600 citations. He has participated in more than 20 research projects as main researcher, primarily in waste management, recycling and brownfields restoration. He possesses a significant experience in laboratory analyses and handling of Special Chemical Laboratory Equipment.

Dr Raul Mollehuara Canales

Raul holds a PhD in Mining Engineering and Mineral Processing (Applied Geophysics), MSc in Water Resources Management (Hydrogeology), PEng Chemical Engineering, and 20+ years of experience in the mining industry.

Research expertise in near-surface geophysics, hydrogeology and geochemistry applied to characterization of mine water and mine waste. His research includes multi-source data fusion with focus on secondary mineral resources and sustainable management of mine water, mine waste (incl. tailings facilities) and post-closure mining environments.

Dr. Beate Fankhänel

Dr. Beate Fankhänel is a research associate at the Institute of Nonferrous Metallurgy and Purest Materials at TU Bergakademie Freiberg. She studied materials science and has been working in the field of pyrometallurgy for several years.

Max Friedemann

Max is a research assistant at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg at the Institute for Mining and Special Civil Engineering. He is a mechanical engineer and has good knowledge in the field of electromobility. In his previous research, he worked on a decentralized communication system for underground facilities.

Gunther Pieplow

Gunther Peiplow boasts an illustrious 27-year career in esteemed international mining, engineering, and metallurgy firms. He possesses extensive leadership acumen, honed through years of overseeing operational business and adeptly managing complex projects. His specialized expertise lies in engineering and design, making him a distinguished professional in his field.

Carlos Almeida

Carlos Almeida is a senior researcher in autonomous systems. His passion for robots led him to take a course in electrotechnical engineering and computers. In 2001 he began his activity as a researcher in robotics and autonomous systems. He has a master’s degree in autonomous systems and currently works at INESCTEC’s CRAS (Centre for Robotics and Autonomous Systems). One of his other passions is the sea, so he has been working with underwater technologies, namely underwater robots. He has performed many missions with robots in hostile/unknown environments. He participated in multiple exercises with the Portuguese Navy where he was aboard several ships. His most recent research is related to the exploration of flooded caves using robots in deep waters. Recently on one of the expeditions he managed, together with his team, to reach the world record in depth in flooded natural caves.

Dr Jacek Galas

Dr Jacek Galas is a distinguished professional with a profound background in optics and multidisciplinary research. He earned his Master of Science Degree in optics from Warsaw University in 1976, followed by a PhD in optics from the Warsaw University of Technology in 1992. With a career spanning several decades, Jacek has been actively involved in diverse research projects, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. While his early work focused on unconventional optical methods in mineral beneficiation processes, his current passion lies in the dynamic field of artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

 

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