8
and reduce errors. Productive maintenance strategies
minimize downtime and enhance equipment reliability.
Methodologies like the theory of constraints, lean produc-
tion, Six Sigma, and agile approaches optimize workflows
and eliminate inefficiencies. The stage-gate process pro-
vides a structured framework for project development, and
MCDA assists in making informed decisions by evaluating
multiple factors simultaneously. Table 6 shows the condi-
tions for a simple operation.
Table 6. Conditions to achieve a simplified optimal
operation
Tech to achieve a simplified optimal operational condition,
(Nieto, 2023)
Modular mining systems
Quality control and quality management
Productive maintenance
Theory of constraints
Lean production
Six Sigma
Agile
Stage-gate
Multi-decision criteria analysis (MCDA)
Smart Mining R&D Initiatives
Smart Mining R&D Initiatives strive to achieve a smart
operational condition through the integration of cutting-
edge digital technologies. Real-time data-communication
networks and the Internet of Things (IoT) enable seamless
connectivity and data exchange across mining operations.
Big data analytics provide insights for better decision- mak-
ing, while blockchain technology enhances security and
transparency in transactions. Electric battery-based equip-
ment reduces emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Smart automation and the use of virtual and augmented
reality improve operational efficiency and training. Digital
twins create virtual replicas of physical systems for simu-
lation and optimization. Technologies like smart ore sort-
ing, 3D printing, remote integrated operations centers,
ultra-high-precision GPS, and drone technology contrib-
ute to more precise and efficient mining practices. Table 7
shows the conditions for a smart operation.
Table 7. Condition to achieve a smart operation
Tech to achieve a smart ultimate operational condition,
(Nieto, 2023)
Real-time data-communication networks
Internet of things
Big data analytics
Blockchain technology
Electric battery-based equipment
Smart Automation
Virtual and augmented reality
Digital Twins
Smart ore sorting
3D Printing
Remote integrated operations center
Ultra-High Precision GPS
Drone Technology
Stealth Mining R&D Initiatives
Stealth Mining R&D Initiatives focus on achieving a
stealth operational condition by minimizing the environ-
mental footprint of mining activities. This includes striving
for zero emissions through the use of electric systems and
technologies that reduce emissions and noise. In-place min-
ing techniques, such as inline recovery, in-mine recovery,
and in situ recovery methods—including biohydrometal-
lurgy—allow for resource extraction with minimal surface
disturbance. Advanced cave mining with real-time under-
ground monitoring enhances safety and efficiency while
reducing environmental impact. Autonomous drilling
technologies further reduce the need for human presence in
hazardous areas and improve precision, contributing to less
environmental disruption. Table 8 shows the conditions for
a stealth operation.
Table 8. Conditions for a stealth operation
Tech to achieve a stealth ultimate operational condition,
(Nieto, 2023)
Zero emissions
• Emissions and noise minimization, electric systems
In-Place Mining
• In-line recovery methods
• In-mine recovery methods
• In situ recovery methods,
• Biohydrometallurgy
Advanced cave mining real-time underground monitoring
Autonomous drilling
Table 5. Conditions to achieve a safety ultimate condition
Tech to achieve a safety ultimate condition (Nieto, 2023)
Virtual &Augmented reality training, and maintenance
Remote and automated systems
Real-time mapping and tracking
Real-time ground control sensors
Through-the-ground communications
Rapid borehole drilling
Biosensor applications in real-time health monitoring
and reduce errors. Productive maintenance strategies
minimize downtime and enhance equipment reliability.
Methodologies like the theory of constraints, lean produc-
tion, Six Sigma, and agile approaches optimize workflows
and eliminate inefficiencies. The stage-gate process pro-
vides a structured framework for project development, and
MCDA assists in making informed decisions by evaluating
multiple factors simultaneously. Table 6 shows the condi-
tions for a simple operation.
Table 6. Conditions to achieve a simplified optimal
operation
Tech to achieve a simplified optimal operational condition,
(Nieto, 2023)
Modular mining systems
Quality control and quality management
Productive maintenance
Theory of constraints
Lean production
Six Sigma
Agile
Stage-gate
Multi-decision criteria analysis (MCDA)
Smart Mining R&D Initiatives
Smart Mining R&D Initiatives strive to achieve a smart
operational condition through the integration of cutting-
edge digital technologies. Real-time data-communication
networks and the Internet of Things (IoT) enable seamless
connectivity and data exchange across mining operations.
Big data analytics provide insights for better decision- mak-
ing, while blockchain technology enhances security and
transparency in transactions. Electric battery-based equip-
ment reduces emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Smart automation and the use of virtual and augmented
reality improve operational efficiency and training. Digital
twins create virtual replicas of physical systems for simu-
lation and optimization. Technologies like smart ore sort-
ing, 3D printing, remote integrated operations centers,
ultra-high-precision GPS, and drone technology contrib-
ute to more precise and efficient mining practices. Table 7
shows the conditions for a smart operation.
Table 7. Condition to achieve a smart operation
Tech to achieve a smart ultimate operational condition,
(Nieto, 2023)
Real-time data-communication networks
Internet of things
Big data analytics
Blockchain technology
Electric battery-based equipment
Smart Automation
Virtual and augmented reality
Digital Twins
Smart ore sorting
3D Printing
Remote integrated operations center
Ultra-High Precision GPS
Drone Technology
Stealth Mining R&D Initiatives
Stealth Mining R&D Initiatives focus on achieving a
stealth operational condition by minimizing the environ-
mental footprint of mining activities. This includes striving
for zero emissions through the use of electric systems and
technologies that reduce emissions and noise. In-place min-
ing techniques, such as inline recovery, in-mine recovery,
and in situ recovery methods—including biohydrometal-
lurgy—allow for resource extraction with minimal surface
disturbance. Advanced cave mining with real-time under-
ground monitoring enhances safety and efficiency while
reducing environmental impact. Autonomous drilling
technologies further reduce the need for human presence in
hazardous areas and improve precision, contributing to less
environmental disruption. Table 8 shows the conditions for
a stealth operation.
Table 8. Conditions for a stealth operation
Tech to achieve a stealth ultimate operational condition,
(Nieto, 2023)
Zero emissions
• Emissions and noise minimization, electric systems
In-Place Mining
• In-line recovery methods
• In-mine recovery methods
• In situ recovery methods,
• Biohydrometallurgy
Advanced cave mining real-time underground monitoring
Autonomous drilling
Table 5. Conditions to achieve a safety ultimate condition
Tech to achieve a safety ultimate condition (Nieto, 2023)
Virtual &Augmented reality training, and maintenance
Remote and automated systems
Real-time mapping and tracking
Real-time ground control sensors
Through-the-ground communications
Rapid borehole drilling
Biosensor applications in real-time health monitoring