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The concept of automated tunnel borers isn't new. Since 2012, Rio Tinto has been working with the Centre of Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI) to build shafts and tunnels at a faster rate as part of Rio's Mine of the Future initiative. Together, the two have designed a new tunnel boring system that is currently being implemented at Rio's Northparkes Mine in Australia.

The future of autonomous boring is anticipated to be seen regularly in coming years.
9.) Ore processing
In addition to eco-friendlier ways, the mining industry is pushing for newer and more improved methods for ore processing. One new process, which has the potential to be maximized across the mining sector, is Copper NuWave™.

Designed and implemented by Rio Tinto, the technology maximizes mineral recovery while reducing waste. It also has the ability to cut water and energy consumption. The company is currently testing the technology at its Kennecott Utah Copper mine in the U.S.
8.) Simulation technology
The use of mining equipment simulator systems is on the rise in recent months as companies utilize the innovative technology to train operators. The use of simulation technology has a wealth of advantages including aiding in recruitment processes, improvements in productivity and reaction times in emergency situations.

Within the next few years, the use of mining simulation technology could very well be utilized across the mining spectrum.
7.) Revitalized excavators
One of the more anticipated innovations for the mining industry is the revitalization of excavators. Companies like Volvo and Doosan are helping to make the excavator of the future bigger, smarter, safer and more powerful. Together, the two have designed some of the most futuristic concepts that could very well come to fruition in the next few years.
6.) Automated rail system
Rio Tinto is already working on commissioning the world's first automated, long distance, heavy haul rail network for the mining industry, but it won't be the last. The benefits of an automated rail system include enhanced safety and efficiency as mining companies can rely on the innovative technology to safely and securely transport minerals to their required destinations.
5.) X-ray diffraction equipment
Already being utilized by a small group of mining companies, including diamond miner ALROSA, x-ray diffraction equipment is on path to become a global necessity. The equipment, which is currently used in diamond recovery, is an important method for the identification of phases in raw materials, for process control during ore beneficiation, and for the quality control of final mineral product.
4.) 3D Mapping
3D mapping is another technological advancement that is expected to make a big splash in the mining industry within the next few years. Companies like Rio Tinto, which has already implemented the software at its West Angelas mine in Western Australia, are using the innovative technology for their advantage to improving the way they dig up commodities as well as cut cost.
3.) Alternative energy
Utilizing alternative energy is something most industries are working to implement on a larger scale. The mining sector is no different.

Harmony Gold has been on the forefront of using alternative energy, most notably solar. The company is working to use mine-impact land and tailings to pilot biocrop procreating in the form of giant king grass and sugar beets to generate natural gas as a fossil fuel substitute. The initiative could lead to more companies utilizing innovative sources for alternative energy.
2.) Safety equipment
Safety equipment in the mining industry has progress considerably in the last decade. As the sector moves towards automation, companies are implementing more advanced technology to secure employees remain as safe as possible.

At this year's NSW Minerals Council Health and Safety Innovation award ceremony, the top honor for innovation went to Centennial Coal for their Fit-for-Purpose Underground Boot. The mining boot is designed to provide ankle support and sole stability, comfort and full prevention of water ingress.

Another safety innovation that has the potential to sweep the industry is SmartCap. The technology, which works to combat fatigue, utilizes sensors on the wearer's forehead to monitor signs of fatigue and assess their level of alertness.
1.) Autonomous mine site infrastructure
The number one mining innovation set to turn the industry upside down is autonomous mine site infrastructure.

Rio Tinto, which is the first company to envision the idea, has already launched initiatives towards its Mine of the Future. The three main components of mining include drilling, haulage trucks and long distance railway systems. Rio Tinto is working to automate all three in unison with operations. The system, which is set to be controlled by one main operational facility, will allow miners, ports and rail systems to be operated from a single location.

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TOP 10: Mining Innovations to Look Forward To

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The concept of automated tunnel borers isn't new. Since 2012, Rio Tinto has been working with the Centre of Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI) to build shafts and tunnels at a faster rate as part of Rio's Mine of the Future initiative.

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Copper Nickel mining is examined as a viable industry with present technology and expertise as Jessica Stauber questions Brad Moore, a former EPA and Minnesota DNR expert.

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Underground Mining - Vale - Open Pit Mining

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Mining for coal depends on many variables. The geology and environmental aspects play a vital role, but depth and quality of the seam is what brings home the bacon. Depending on where the seam (profitable bed of coal) is located, extracting this black gold can require a smorgasbord of options.

Coal mining typically requires two methods of operations: underground and surface mining. The method is differentiated by whether the seam is relatively close to the surface area or buried deep below. An array of underground and surface mining techniques exist, however, technical and economic feasibility studies are required to determine which process is best. These studies are based on the regional geologic conditions, including characteristics of the site; coal seams continuity; thickness; structure; quality; and depth and strength.

There are many advantages as well as disadvantages to both methods, including financial and environmental reasoning. You decide which is best for you.
Underground mining
Underground or "deep" mining consist mostly of two methods - room-and-pillar and longwall mining. In room-and-pillar, coal deposits are mined by cutting a network of "rooms" into the coal seam and leaving behind "pillars" of coal to support the roof of the mine. The coal is extracted in two phases, first with the pillars of untouched material left to support the roof as the open areas "rooms" are recovered.

The second technique, longwall, is the preferred choice in underground mining. The technique utilizes a longwall shearer, a large machine with a rotating drum that moves back and forth across a coal seam. The longwall equipment moves forward during production permitting it to bypass overlying rock, making high levels of production and safety enhanced.

Although there are opponents and proponents of underground mining, the disadvantages include destruction of land, surface subsidence, abandoned shafts, extensive surface spoil heaps, mine explosions, collapses and flooding. That doesn't incorporate the costly price tag that comes with underground mining. The process requires mechanized operations with sophisticated equipment. Along with vehicles, rail haulage and multiple drill units, copious amounts of precaution is needed to maintain miner safety, including mine ventilation.
Surface mining
Opencast mining, otherwise known as surface mining consist of three different techniques: strip mining, open-pit mining, and mountain top blasting. In general, the three processes include breaking up soil and rocks via explosives and then removing debris until coal seams are exposed. Trucks and shovels are used to remove excess fragments as a drill systematically bores into the mine, stripping it of coal, typically recovering a higher proportion of the coal deposits than underground mining.

Strip mining is sensible when the ore body is near the surface. The practice includes some of the largest machines on earth, removing long strips of overlying soil and rock and then removing coal deposits. Open-pit mining utilizes blasting and mineral removing, digger deeper into the earth causing a crater-like result. Mountaintop removal requires explosives to blast debris off mountain tops in order to reach coal seams deep inside the earth, sometimes 400 feet below the surface.

The major drawback of surface mining is the method destroys large areas of land, demolishing landscape and natural habitat to recover coal.
Is deep drilling worth the cost?
While underground mining requires an array of resources, equipment and financial backing, the method is best suited if the environment and coal potential harmonize. Longwall mining accounts for 50 percent of coal mines in the world and is much safer than other methods of coal mining. If done right, the process is much more profitable as resource recovery is dramatically improved (about 80 percent compared with about 60 percent for room-and-pillar). Despite the fact coal mining has the potential to cause harm to the environment and its habitat, deep drilling is worth every penny as productivity, profitability, and safety are all greatly increased.

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Underground v.s. Surface Coal Mines: Is Deep Drilling Worth the Cost?

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Although both methods have their benefits and drawbacks, underground drilling may just be the cost worthy selection for you Mining for coal depends on many variables. The geology and environmental aspects play a vital role, but depth and quality of the seam is what brings home the bacon.