Digitalization of the mining industry. What has already been done and what are the prospects?
Increased productivity, increased reliability and reduced operating costs are obvious advantages of digitalization. At the same time, 43% of companies in the industry noted an increase in the complexity of the implemented digital solutions.
Digitalization and artificial intelligence have long ceased to be synonyms of the distant future. Nowadays, they help solve the most important production tasks, and the mining industry is no exception. Moreover, it is one of the driving forces of digitalization among all sectors of the economy.
Current situation around digitalization of mining
Mining companies are increasingly investing in digitalization, considering this area one of their strategic priorities. Rosstat data show that from 2019 to 2024, investments in digital solutions increased from 4.2 billion rubles to 7.4 billion rubles. The number of companies that plan to increase the positive effect of digitalization in the next 2-3 years is also growing. By the end of 2024, their number may increase almost 4 times (from 15% to 55%) compared to 2023. Undoubtedly, the low base effect observed in 2023, when market participants were forced to adapt to new realities, also played a role.
In the spring of 2024, the consulting company Yakov & Partners and the company Tsifra released a joint study on the digitalization of the mining and metallurgical industry in Russia. In general, the results of the study are quite optimistic: 25% (+5% compared to 2023) of respondents see prospects for becoming a world leader in digitalization, while the share of "pessimists" decreased comparable (by 4%, to 44%).
What solutions are popular and have already demonstrated their effectiveness? The latter is especially relevant, because the issue of tangible economic effect from a particular innovation is extremely acute. Video analytics of ore classification and production processes has become a must have for mining companies. For example, Raspadskaya Coal Company actively uses video analytics of conveyor transport. Based on video analytics, digital advisors have been developed, which are a combination of video analytics and big data. This solution helps minimize risks caused by the human factor. Another product used by Raspadskaya Coal Company is an idle optimization model based on machine learning principles, which helps reduce electricity consumption in the mine. In addition, quarry breakers are robotized and equipped with machine vision for autonomous operation.
Let's dwell separately on the implementation of generative AI. It can be applied in several industries at once:
// analyze promising locations for geological exploration and development of new deposits,
// analyze current economic and production indicators,
// be used to forecast financial and economic indicators and product shipments, etc.
Let's move on to specific indicators from the implementation of digital solutions. Thus, according to calculations by Yakov and Partners and Tsifra, the implementation of an integrated remote enterprise control center will increase labor productivity by 3-5% and reduce operating costs by the same amount. The transition to digital twins will reduce operating costs by 3-7%, increase labor productivity by 1-2% and improve reliability by 1-3%.
The most effective solutions are complex ones. Moreover, it is important that these solutions meet the needs of production and personnel, and are not divorced from reality. "Now more than ever it is important for IT specialists to unite with APCS engineers, and they, in turn, with technologists and equipment manufacturers ," says Maxim Belinka, founder of Evomatics, "Perhaps it is worth taking a closer look at the experience of Chinese colleagues. The industry needs developments that will actually solve problems, and not create them . "
Key challenges and prospects for digitalization of the mining industry
According to the results of the research conducted by Yakov & Partners and Tsifra, 43% of the surveyed representatives of Russian mining companies noted the increasing complexity of the digital solutions being implemented among the key challenges. This is due to both technological development and the increase in the number of processes that can be digitalized.
In turn, for 40% of respondents, a serious challenge was the lack of competencies and personnel shortage. The authors of the study particularly highlight the problem of the shortage of IT project managers, for whom a serious struggle has unfolded between manufacturing and technology companies. At the same time, the problem of the shortage of product owners and data analysts has been practically solved - it was voiced by only 16% of respondents.
According to consultants, the main focus of Russian mining and metallurgical companies in the next three years will remain the digitalization of production itself. At the same time, according to experts from Yakov & Partners and Tsifra, it is worth taking into account international experience, when the digitalization of corporate processes and functions has a positive impact on their efficiency and allows for cost reduction.
Present digital solutions at MiningWorld Russia 2025
The needs of domestic mining companies for digitalization are only growing over time. Therefore, those developers and suppliers of digital solutions who can understand current and future trends, as well as establish constructive relationships with key partners in the industry, will benefit. Participation in MiningWorld Russia , the 29th International Exhibition of Machines and Equipment for Mining, Processing and Transportation of Minerals, will help solve these important problems.
This exhibition is the most representative industry event in terms of participants and visitors.
// 8,410 visitors from 75 regions of Russia and 32 countries of the world,
// 64% of visitors (5,427 people) occupy management positions,
// 67% of visitors planned to make purchases following the exhibition,
// 45% of visitors have a purchasing budget of 10+ million rubles .
The section dedicated to IT technologies and automation of technological processes entered the top 10 most popular sectors of the exhibition among visitors. It was of interest to 1,942 visitors of the exhibition.
