9
systems is critical to ensuring air quality and worker safety.
This includes defining the wider energy ecosystem, taking
into account all elements, processes and people involved.
Identifying potential conflicts, such as competing energy
demands between different mine operations, and synergies,
such as the integration of energy storage systems to com-
pensate for fluctuations in energy supply, is essential for
optimizing the energy management system. In the EWAZ
project, this was achieved by identifying the energy demand
in the region and the impact that the evaluated alternatives
could have by integrating a prioritization mechanism based
on a stakeholder analysis.
Step 3: Development of technical solution strategies
The final step focuses on the development and selection
of strategies based on the identified potentials, conflicts
and synergies. In the context of underground mining, this
could include the development of an energy distribution
system that incorporates both existing infrastructure and
new technologies such as electric vehicles for underground
operations. Monitoring and control systems with real-time
energy management software could be integrated to ensure
optimal performance. In addition, all considerations must
be evaluated taking into account all relevant assessment
parameters determined by all stakeholders, such as the type
of energy source, distribution system, infrastructure and
others. The integrative decision then focuses on increasing
the efficiency and safety of the mine’s energy systems. In
the EWAZ project, this included developing an operational
concept for the UGPSP, classifying and prioritizing the
alternatives based on an impact analysis.
By following these steps, the BM approach ensures that
the integration of smart energy systems in underground
mines is not only technically feasible, but also sustain-
able and aligned with the long-term goals of the mining
operation.
Ergonomics in the Context of the Blue Mining
Approach
The mining industry has undergone significant change in
recent years, with the integration of modern technologies
and automation playing a crucial role in increasing pro-
ductivity, efficiency and safety. Automation has revolution-
ized various aspects of mining operations, from self-driving
vehicles to the use of drones and wireless sensor networks
for automated measurement systems. Furthermore, this
transformation will continue to change the world of work
in the coming years. A survey conducted in 2023 revealed
how over 50 CEOs, operations managers, technology
managers, OEMs and consultants in the North and South
American regions envision the working world of the future.
The five most frequently mentioned characteristics were:
Automation, remote operations, safe operations, data-
driven and high-tech operations, see Figure 5.
In addition, the role of mining engineers will change
dramatically by 2045, focusing on the monitoring and
management of fully automated, zero-entry underground
mines. These future mines will be carbon neutral and rely
on cutting-edge AI and machine learning to optimize oper-
ations in real time, allowing engineers to work remotely
via dynamic decision optimization networks. Engineers’
roles will shift to risk management, integration of new
Figure 5. Working environments of the future – survey results from North and South America
(Nowosad, Mendieta, et al. 2024)
systems is critical to ensuring air quality and worker safety.
This includes defining the wider energy ecosystem, taking
into account all elements, processes and people involved.
Identifying potential conflicts, such as competing energy
demands between different mine operations, and synergies,
such as the integration of energy storage systems to com-
pensate for fluctuations in energy supply, is essential for
optimizing the energy management system. In the EWAZ
project, this was achieved by identifying the energy demand
in the region and the impact that the evaluated alternatives
could have by integrating a prioritization mechanism based
on a stakeholder analysis.
Step 3: Development of technical solution strategies
The final step focuses on the development and selection
of strategies based on the identified potentials, conflicts
and synergies. In the context of underground mining, this
could include the development of an energy distribution
system that incorporates both existing infrastructure and
new technologies such as electric vehicles for underground
operations. Monitoring and control systems with real-time
energy management software could be integrated to ensure
optimal performance. In addition, all considerations must
be evaluated taking into account all relevant assessment
parameters determined by all stakeholders, such as the type
of energy source, distribution system, infrastructure and
others. The integrative decision then focuses on increasing
the efficiency and safety of the mine’s energy systems. In
the EWAZ project, this included developing an operational
concept for the UGPSP, classifying and prioritizing the
alternatives based on an impact analysis.
By following these steps, the BM approach ensures that
the integration of smart energy systems in underground
mines is not only technically feasible, but also sustain-
able and aligned with the long-term goals of the mining
operation.
Ergonomics in the Context of the Blue Mining
Approach
The mining industry has undergone significant change in
recent years, with the integration of modern technologies
and automation playing a crucial role in increasing pro-
ductivity, efficiency and safety. Automation has revolution-
ized various aspects of mining operations, from self-driving
vehicles to the use of drones and wireless sensor networks
for automated measurement systems. Furthermore, this
transformation will continue to change the world of work
in the coming years. A survey conducted in 2023 revealed
how over 50 CEOs, operations managers, technology
managers, OEMs and consultants in the North and South
American regions envision the working world of the future.
The five most frequently mentioned characteristics were:
Automation, remote operations, safe operations, data-
driven and high-tech operations, see Figure 5.
In addition, the role of mining engineers will change
dramatically by 2045, focusing on the monitoring and
management of fully automated, zero-entry underground
mines. These future mines will be carbon neutral and rely
on cutting-edge AI and machine learning to optimize oper-
ations in real time, allowing engineers to work remotely
via dynamic decision optimization networks. Engineers’
roles will shift to risk management, integration of new
Figure 5. Working environments of the future – survey results from North and South America
(Nowosad, Mendieta, et al. 2024)