10
technologies and continuous improvement of AI-driven
processes, with a strong emphasis on community relations
and protection of the environment. This vision of the future
reflects the convergence of technological advances and sus-
tainable practices that increase efficiency while minimizing
environmental impact 35.
In the context of modern technologies and the vision
of the workplace in 2045, ergonomics in mining is more
important than ever. As workflows become increasingly
automated and decentralized, designing these digital work-
places with people’s comfort and safety in mind is criti-
cal to maintaining productivity and employee wellbeing.
Ergonomics will play a key role in preventing physical and
cognitive strain and enabling employees to effectively man-
age cutting-edge technologies and AI-driven processes. A
well-designed ergonomic environment will ensure that
the future workforce remains engaged, healthy and able to
adapt to rapidly evolving mining technologies.
Ergonomics, on the other hand, focuses on design-
ing work environments and equipment that maximize the
comfort, safety and efficiency of personnel. In underground
mining, where physical demands are high, ergonomically
designed control rooms and equipment are essential.
The move to automation and remote control aims to
increase efficiency and safety in mining by reducing the need
for human presence in hazardous environments. However,
without careful consideration of ergonomic factors, these
technological advances can lead to unforeseen challenges,
such as worker fatigue or resistance to new systems 36.
Thus, the successful implementation of Remote Operation
Centers (ROCs) depends not only on technological inte-
gration, but also on the way these changes are managed
within the organization to ensure that employees are fully
engaged and that the new systems are user-friendly 37.
Patt Rogers et al. found that incorporating ergonomic
principles early in the design process of automated systems
can significantly increase their acceptance and effective-
ness, leading to better outcomes for both employees and
operations 38. Therefore, the BM approach advocates the
early consideration of ergonomic factors in the design and
implementation of these technologies. This includes cre-
ating work environments that prioritize the comfort and
health of employees, even in a digital or decentralized envi-
ronment. By emphasizing the three components of the BM
approach -human-centered planning, safety and automa-
tion that supports rather than replaces human skills, and
ensuring a healthy work environment -the mining industry
aims to create workplaces that are not only technologically
advanced, but also sustainable and promote worker well-
being (Figure 6).
Human-Centered Approach
A human-centered approach to the planning and design of
mining processes prioritizes the well-being, capabilities and
physical and psychological needs of miners throughout the
planning process. This approach recognizes that a safe and
productive mine is not just about technical efficiency, but
also about creating a working environment that supports
the physical and cognitive needs of employees. Ergonomics
plays a crucial role here. For example, tools and machines
are designed to reduce physical strain and prevent inju-
ries, workstations are ergonomically optimized and work
processes are designed to minimize unnecessary stress and
fatigue. By placing workers at the center of the planning
process, the Blue Mining approach ensures that the min-
ing environment promotes both productivity and worker
satisfaction without compromising the mental health of
employees 36.
Figure 6. Areas and principles of “Blue Mining” – focus on ergonomics
technologies and continuous improvement of AI-driven
processes, with a strong emphasis on community relations
and protection of the environment. This vision of the future
reflects the convergence of technological advances and sus-
tainable practices that increase efficiency while minimizing
environmental impact 35.
In the context of modern technologies and the vision
of the workplace in 2045, ergonomics in mining is more
important than ever. As workflows become increasingly
automated and decentralized, designing these digital work-
places with people’s comfort and safety in mind is criti-
cal to maintaining productivity and employee wellbeing.
Ergonomics will play a key role in preventing physical and
cognitive strain and enabling employees to effectively man-
age cutting-edge technologies and AI-driven processes. A
well-designed ergonomic environment will ensure that
the future workforce remains engaged, healthy and able to
adapt to rapidly evolving mining technologies.
Ergonomics, on the other hand, focuses on design-
ing work environments and equipment that maximize the
comfort, safety and efficiency of personnel. In underground
mining, where physical demands are high, ergonomically
designed control rooms and equipment are essential.
The move to automation and remote control aims to
increase efficiency and safety in mining by reducing the need
for human presence in hazardous environments. However,
without careful consideration of ergonomic factors, these
technological advances can lead to unforeseen challenges,
such as worker fatigue or resistance to new systems 36.
Thus, the successful implementation of Remote Operation
Centers (ROCs) depends not only on technological inte-
gration, but also on the way these changes are managed
within the organization to ensure that employees are fully
engaged and that the new systems are user-friendly 37.
Patt Rogers et al. found that incorporating ergonomic
principles early in the design process of automated systems
can significantly increase their acceptance and effective-
ness, leading to better outcomes for both employees and
operations 38. Therefore, the BM approach advocates the
early consideration of ergonomic factors in the design and
implementation of these technologies. This includes cre-
ating work environments that prioritize the comfort and
health of employees, even in a digital or decentralized envi-
ronment. By emphasizing the three components of the BM
approach -human-centered planning, safety and automa-
tion that supports rather than replaces human skills, and
ensuring a healthy work environment -the mining industry
aims to create workplaces that are not only technologically
advanced, but also sustainable and promote worker well-
being (Figure 6).
Human-Centered Approach
A human-centered approach to the planning and design of
mining processes prioritizes the well-being, capabilities and
physical and psychological needs of miners throughout the
planning process. This approach recognizes that a safe and
productive mine is not just about technical efficiency, but
also about creating a working environment that supports
the physical and cognitive needs of employees. Ergonomics
plays a crucial role here. For example, tools and machines
are designed to reduce physical strain and prevent inju-
ries, workstations are ergonomically optimized and work
processes are designed to minimize unnecessary stress and
fatigue. By placing workers at the center of the planning
process, the Blue Mining approach ensures that the min-
ing environment promotes both productivity and worker
satisfaction without compromising the mental health of
employees 36.
Figure 6. Areas and principles of “Blue Mining” – focus on ergonomics