The mining sector, traditionally slow to embrace digitalisation and automation, is undergoing a transformation driven by the EU’s commitment to improving the sustainability, safety, and profitability of its mines. One of the key developments is the illuMINEation project, which introduced a versatile industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platform tailored for mining applications. This platform is setting new standards in data management, communication and operational efficiency in underground mining.
Intelligent data management and analysis with IIoT
The heart of illuMINEation’s innovation lies in the collection, processing, and analysis of large volumes of data. By deploying an array of sensor solutions and employing a multi-layered IIoT platform, the project enables comprehensive data management at different operational levels—from individual mines to corporate-wide systems. This enables improved ore grade analysis, rock stress monitoring and predictive maintenance of mining equipment.
The IIoT platform is built to handle large-scale data efficiently and provides a robust analytical framework across multiple sites. “The platform offers browser-based, open-source visualisation tools that are adaptable to the unique requirements of mining operations,” explains project coordinator Gernot Loidl from the University of Leoben. These features facilitate ‘low-code’ application development, allowing users to easily customise dashboards and integrate 3D capabilities for digital twins, augmented reality, and virtual environments on mobile devices.
Enhancing communication in complex underground mining
Mining environments are inherently challenging due to their dynamic and 3D nature. The illuMINEation project addresses this with an innovative multi-hop data transmission system based on LoRa technology. This system boosts communication range, enabling reliable signal transmission across complex underground tunnels that can extend over 1.5 kilometres.
Given the ever-changing nature of mining tunnels, the project also ensures that the communication infrastructure is flexible enough to evolve with the mining operation. As the tunnel systems progress and transform, the network adapts, maintaining connectivity to support real-time data transmission and monitoring.
Boosting sustainability, safety and profitability
The outcomes of the illuMINEation project are designed to directly impact mining operations’ efficiency, sustainability, and safety. “By improving knowledge of the rock mass and geology, we can enhance resource extraction with less effort while improving safety at the workplace,” Loidl says. The project also explored the use of autonomous drones for hazardous area inspections and developed a human movement detection system to prevent potential collisions with mining machinery.
Overall, the project significantly enhances the sustainability and profitability of mining operations by addressing key factors such as occupational health and safety, environmental impact, resource efficiency, and economic viability.
Collaborative approach for a digital future
With 22 project partners across seven European countries—including academic and research institutions, equipment manufacturers, and mining companies—the illuMINEation project has laid the foundation for further digitalisation and automation in European mining. The open-source, low-code framework ensures that these technologies can be seamlessly integrated into existing operations, supporting the industry’s long-term digital transformation.
By focusing on real-world use cases, advanced data management, and automation technologies, the illuMINEation project provides a comprehensive, flexible solution that will continue to drive innovation across the European mining sector.
