Amid rapid technological advancement and intense competition in the raw materials market, the mining industry is undergoing a large-scale transformation. Intelligent systems, process automation, and real-time data analysis are no longer the domain of futuristic projects but are becoming practical tools for improving business efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Building a “smart” mine is not just a trend—it's a strategic step toward the future, where success will depend on the level of digital maturity and readiness for change.
Mining Automation
The mining sector is actively transitioning to digital workflows, implementing automated control systems and robotic solutions. The main goal of these changes is to enhance safety, reduce costs, and ensure stable real-time productivity.
Digital integration of production processes. Modern platforms like minePASS allow for the unification of data from SCADA, ERP, monitoring, and positioning modules into a single administrative environment. This provides complete transparency across all levels of the enterprise and enables decision-making based on up-to-date information.
Downtime reduction and workflow optimization. Automation enables minimizing unplanned equipment downtime through timely data analysis and diagnostics. This directly improves productivity and reduces operational costs.
Comprehensive data collection from equipment. The platform supports data acquisition from OPC servers, databases, and devices with serial interfaces — such as sensors, scales, and detectors. This offers full control over equipment condition and technological parameters.
Analytics and visualization. A customizable control panel in minePASS allows users to analyze parameters in a convenient format. This helps management quickly identify deviations and make informed decisions.
Integration with corporate platforms. Support for APIs and standard communication protocols ensures fast and flexible integration of minePASS with existing ERP systems and other enterprise platforms.
Flexible reporting. Users can independently generate reports on key production indicators — from downtime to equipment performance. All reports can be easily shared within the platform among relevant personnel.
Automation is not just about implementing new technologies; it's a profound transformation of business processes. Architectures like minePASS make mine management transparent, predictable, and safe, laying the foundation for truly “smart” mining.
Underground 3D Scanning
Modern laser scanning methods for mining workings offer a new perspective on underground infrastructure. One of the most versatile solutions in this field is Hovermap — a mobile system capable of operating effectively in the most challenging environments.
Flexibility of use. Hovermap can be used with a drone, handheld by an operator, or mounted on a mobile platform. This makes it especially effective in confined spaces and areas without GPS signal. The ability to quickly switch modes ensures high mobility during complex inspections.
High-quality data. The device uses SLAM algorithms to build accurate 3D models even in the absence of navigational references.
Reliable operation in harsh environments. Hovermap ST is IP65-rated, making it suitable for use in high humidity, dust, and extreme temperature conditions. It maintains stable performance even during vibrations or mechanical impacts.
Autonomy and safety. The Tap-to-Fly function enables scanning without direct line-of-sight and constant operator supervision. Intelligent navigation and collision-avoidance modules ensure safe operations in hazardous zones.
Color visualization. Hovermap supports point cloud colorization, allowing color information to be added to 3D models. This simplifies visual analysis and enhances the informativeness of collected data.
Underground 3D scanning technologies like Hovermap are becoming a crucial part of the mining industry's digital transformation. They significantly improve accuracy, safety, and efficiency, opening new horizons for the smart mines of the future.
Remote Equipment Control
Modern remote control technologies are taking the operation of underground machinery to an entirely new level. The use of digital systems enhances safety, reduces downtime, and makes the management of mining transport systems more predictable and efficient.
Real-time monitoring. Modern platforms like neroSPEC allow for tracking the location and status of every transport unit. This enables instant response to changing conditions and route optimization without interrupting production.
Production data analysis. Telemetry simplifies the collection of key equipment parameters, including load, downtime, and technical condition. This data is used for quick decision-making and long-term planning.
Digital process transparency. Integrating virtual infrastructure creates a unified picture of what's happening on-site — from performance to the technical condition of machines. This makes production management more transparent and controllable.
Reduced operating costs. Remote control allows for more efficient resource use, avoids downtime, and improves maintenance planning accuracy. All of this leads to significant cost savings.
Remote control is a key step toward full digitalization of underground operations. The use of telemetry and intelligent monitoring systems opens new opportunities for efficiency gains in the mining sector.
Positioning Systems
Reliable positioning mechanisms have become an integral part of the electronic infrastructure in underground mines. They ensure safety, precise monitoring, and effective communication between personnel and the control center.
Personnel and vehicle positioning. The Strata Commtrac platform tracks the location of people and equipment with an accuracy of 15–20 meters throughout the mine. This allows real-time tracking, quick response to emergencies, and coordination in complex conditions.
Reliable wireless communication. All architecture elements operate without a wired backbone and do not require constant power supply — they use D-type batteries. Even in case of a power outage, communication and tracking remain operational.
Smart communicators. Miners can exchange text messages and communicate with surface operators. Each communicator has a built-in tag that automatically sends coordinates to the user interface.
Interactive interface. All parameters are displayed on a digital map that can be customized to the specific environment. The control center receives a full overview of events, with the ability to monitor several mines within a single interface.
Positioning systems are the foundation of safe and controlled underground operations. Real-time personnel and equipment positioning helps reduce risks, boost productivity, and ensure full process transparency.
Conclusion
The mining industry is rapidly evolving under the influence of digital technologies. From underground 3D scanning to production automation and remote equipment control, each of these technologies is aimed at improving efficiency, reducing risks, and achieving complete process transparency. Intelligent solutions create the conditions for developing a “smart” mine, where safety and productivity go hand in hand.
Alpha Safety provides cutting-edge technologies and services in industrial safety, helping enterprises successfully undergo digital transformation and meet the demands of the new technological reality.