Bright concepts for a safe and sustainable digital mining future
The traditional process of mining is progressively being digitised and introducing ground-breaking innovations (e.g. remote-controlled robots, autonomous drones, novel sensor systems, etc.), accompanied by the extensive use of data analytics and new forms of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
illuMINEation will illuminate important digitalization aspects in underground mining operations in order to achieve the next level of safety, environment and economic performance.
The project will develop a robust multi-level distributed industrial Internet-of-Things (IIoT) platform (including cloud computing & distributed cloud management) that connects via wireless communication with the physical mining world, defined by massively installed low-cost all-embracing sensor networks. Advanced analytical algorithms will support the implementation of powerful, sophisticated automated control systems. Mobile user interfaces, dashboards, augmented and virtual reality, as well as digital twins, will be utilised for data visualisation and operational control.
illuMINEation is funded by the EU Programme for Research and Innovation and includes use cases covering several raw materials where the developments will be tested: a fluorite mine in Spain, magnesite mines in Austria, a zinc, copper and gold mine in Sweden, and copper and silver mines in Poland, as well as one use case for predictive maintenance.
The project consortium consists of 19 partners from six European countries. Mining companies involved in the project as end-users include Boliden Mineral (Sweden), KGHM Polska Miedz (Poland), Minera de Orgiva (Spain), and RHI Magnesita (Austria).
World leading industrial and academic players from different technical fields are also included in the consortium: Montanuniversitaet Leoben, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft, Epiroc Rock Drills, ams, KGHM Cuprum, DMT, GEOTEKO, Lulea Tekniska University, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, DSI Underground Austria, Retenua, IMA Engineering, Fundacion Tecnalia Research & Innovation, Worldsensing, and Instytut Chemii Bioorganiczney Polskiej Akademii Nauk.