19
Step 3: Development of technical solution strategies
The final step is to develop and select implementation strat-
egies that take into account the immediate need, suitability
and technical feasibility of the solutions. In underground
mining, this could include the introduction of technologies
that enable the recycling of water on site or the recovery of
valuable minerals from waste materials. Strategies must also
consider the broader implications for safety, productivity,
efficiency, costs and overall mine operations, both in the
present and in the future.
In the context of mining, the circular economy pro-
motes the extraction and processing of raw materials in a
way that minimizes waste and maximizes the life cycle of
resources. The Blue Mining approach goes one step fur-
ther by integrating these principles into the entire mining
process, from exploration and extraction to processing and
waste disposal. This approach aims to reduce the environ-
mental footprint of mining by using advanced technologies
and practices that are in line with the circular economy. For
example, Blue Mining emphasizes the recycling of water
and other resources used in the mining process, as well as
the reuse of overburden for other industrial purposes. In
addition, Blue Mining stands out as an alternative for sus-
tainable mines of the future by advocating the use of mines
as multi-use mines. This includes their potential for energy
storage, renewable energy generation and other functions
that contribute to a more sustainable industrial ecosystem.
By aligning with circular economy principles, BM is not
only reducing the environmental impact of mining, but
also helping to create a more resilient and resource-efficient
mining industry.
The Blue Mining approach and the circular economy
are closely linked in their aim to make mining a more sus-
tainable and responsible industry. By adopting these strate-
gies, TU Clausthal is positioning Blue Mining as a viable
model for the sustainable mining industry of the future.
The Vision of the Mines of the Future Under the Four
Aspects of the Blue Mining Approach
To achieve sustainable mining practices into the future,
integrative mine planning becomes essential. This approach
covers all phases, from the early “blueprint” in which proj-
ect parameters are set, to careful, comprehensive planning
in which clear objectives are defined, comprehensive data
collection is carried out, risk and crisis assessment guides
implementations, and regular monitoring and improve-
ment of planning steps is a continuous process in the
workflow.
Within this framework, the vision of a Blue Mining
mine of the future is being developed. This type of mine
has established the four aspects of Blue Mining in its opera-
tions (Figure 11). Energy optimization has been success-
fully integrated both in the current mining areas and in the
exploration tunnels used during the exploration phase. A
pumped storage power plant was installed in these tunnels
to generate energy for mining operations. Energy generated
in local renewable energy plants is used for the remaining
processes in the mine. In addition, geothermal energy is
used to power the deep underground levels, where moni-
toring and control is carried out by an automated drone
system. The presence of people is not permitted on these
levels, as the rock stresses pose a latent risk. Autonomous
and remote-controlled machines are therefore the state of
the art in the mining areas. These are remotely controlled
and supervised by an operations center above ground. In
addition, autonomous continuous mining systems were
used wherever suitable conditions were found. The extrac-
tion areas were also designed to be precise and minimally
invasive, with as little overburden as possible. The rock is
crushed directly underground. Mobile crushers and ore
sorting plants were installed between the levels to classify
waste and ore underground.
The ore was transported to the surface to follow other
processing operations and the overburden was integrated as
backfill material. Monitoring of the rock conditions is car-
ried out by autonomous robots and drones. The processing
plant on the surface is climate-neutral and uses innovative
methods. The volume of the residue has been reduced by
dry stacking and the fines are processed into by-products
for the construction industry. All elements of the operation
are overseen from an operations center where engineers
work in interdisciplinary groups in an ergonomic work
environment. Their focus is on improving the productivity
and quality of the operation through innovative solutions
that they develop together with universities and research
centers. All work is carried out in compliance with all regu-
lations, with environmental protection and occupational
safety as a common goal.
To make the vision of a Blue Mining mine of the future
a reality, joint efforts between universities and industry
are needed to develop and implement these technologies.
The next chapter will explore how Clausthal University of
Technology is leading the way by integrating these concepts
into its curricula and research, equipping the next genera-
tion of engineers with the knowledge and skills needed to
drive innovation for sustainable mining.
Step 3: Development of technical solution strategies
The final step is to develop and select implementation strat-
egies that take into account the immediate need, suitability
and technical feasibility of the solutions. In underground
mining, this could include the introduction of technologies
that enable the recycling of water on site or the recovery of
valuable minerals from waste materials. Strategies must also
consider the broader implications for safety, productivity,
efficiency, costs and overall mine operations, both in the
present and in the future.
In the context of mining, the circular economy pro-
motes the extraction and processing of raw materials in a
way that minimizes waste and maximizes the life cycle of
resources. The Blue Mining approach goes one step fur-
ther by integrating these principles into the entire mining
process, from exploration and extraction to processing and
waste disposal. This approach aims to reduce the environ-
mental footprint of mining by using advanced technologies
and practices that are in line with the circular economy. For
example, Blue Mining emphasizes the recycling of water
and other resources used in the mining process, as well as
the reuse of overburden for other industrial purposes. In
addition, Blue Mining stands out as an alternative for sus-
tainable mines of the future by advocating the use of mines
as multi-use mines. This includes their potential for energy
storage, renewable energy generation and other functions
that contribute to a more sustainable industrial ecosystem.
By aligning with circular economy principles, BM is not
only reducing the environmental impact of mining, but
also helping to create a more resilient and resource-efficient
mining industry.
The Blue Mining approach and the circular economy
are closely linked in their aim to make mining a more sus-
tainable and responsible industry. By adopting these strate-
gies, TU Clausthal is positioning Blue Mining as a viable
model for the sustainable mining industry of the future.
The Vision of the Mines of the Future Under the Four
Aspects of the Blue Mining Approach
To achieve sustainable mining practices into the future,
integrative mine planning becomes essential. This approach
covers all phases, from the early “blueprint” in which proj-
ect parameters are set, to careful, comprehensive planning
in which clear objectives are defined, comprehensive data
collection is carried out, risk and crisis assessment guides
implementations, and regular monitoring and improve-
ment of planning steps is a continuous process in the
workflow.
Within this framework, the vision of a Blue Mining
mine of the future is being developed. This type of mine
has established the four aspects of Blue Mining in its opera-
tions (Figure 11). Energy optimization has been success-
fully integrated both in the current mining areas and in the
exploration tunnels used during the exploration phase. A
pumped storage power plant was installed in these tunnels
to generate energy for mining operations. Energy generated
in local renewable energy plants is used for the remaining
processes in the mine. In addition, geothermal energy is
used to power the deep underground levels, where moni-
toring and control is carried out by an automated drone
system. The presence of people is not permitted on these
levels, as the rock stresses pose a latent risk. Autonomous
and remote-controlled machines are therefore the state of
the art in the mining areas. These are remotely controlled
and supervised by an operations center above ground. In
addition, autonomous continuous mining systems were
used wherever suitable conditions were found. The extrac-
tion areas were also designed to be precise and minimally
invasive, with as little overburden as possible. The rock is
crushed directly underground. Mobile crushers and ore
sorting plants were installed between the levels to classify
waste and ore underground.
The ore was transported to the surface to follow other
processing operations and the overburden was integrated as
backfill material. Monitoring of the rock conditions is car-
ried out by autonomous robots and drones. The processing
plant on the surface is climate-neutral and uses innovative
methods. The volume of the residue has been reduced by
dry stacking and the fines are processed into by-products
for the construction industry. All elements of the operation
are overseen from an operations center where engineers
work in interdisciplinary groups in an ergonomic work
environment. Their focus is on improving the productivity
and quality of the operation through innovative solutions
that they develop together with universities and research
centers. All work is carried out in compliance with all regu-
lations, with environmental protection and occupational
safety as a common goal.
To make the vision of a Blue Mining mine of the future
a reality, joint efforts between universities and industry
are needed to develop and implement these technologies.
The next chapter will explore how Clausthal University of
Technology is leading the way by integrating these concepts
into its curricula and research, equipping the next genera-
tion of engineers with the knowledge and skills needed to
drive innovation for sustainable mining.