Mine Automation and New Technologies, 2nd Edition
A special issue of Mining (ISSN 2673-6489).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 2165
Special Issue Editor
Interests: machine learning (ML) algorithms; artificial intelligence (AI); mine automation; rock mechanics; deep mining; static and dynamic response of rocks; rockburst; blasting operation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The digitalisation of the mining industry, coupled with increasing levels of automation, is poised to significantly enhance operational efficiency and redefine the roles of personnel both within and beyond the mining sector. Automation plays a pivotal role in minimising or eliminating workers’ exposure to hazardous environments in both surface and underground mines. It also holds the potential to improve safety, reduce carbon emissions, and promote long-term sustainability in mining operations. Over the past decade, substantial progress has been made in integrating cutting-edge communication systems, robotics, sensor technologies, and remotely operated systems into mining practices.
Simultaneously, the rapid pace of global economic development and the depletion of conventional mineral resources have driven interest in unconventional and alternative mining methods. These include space mining, deep-sea mining, brine extraction, urban/technospheric mining, and in situ leaching—areas that are gaining traction in both industry and academia worldwide.
This Special Issue invites state-of-the-art contributions in the fields of mine automation and alternative mining methods, with a focus on the following topics:
- Artificial Intelligence: the application of advanced and robust machine learning algorithms to address complex, non-linear mining challenges.
- Communication Systems: wired, wireless, and hybrid systems, including IoT and ICT technologies.
- Automation: autonomous and remotely operated mining systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), robotics, and related technologies.
- Sensor Technology: systems for collision avoidance, hazard monitoring, personnel and equipment tracking, and more.
- Simulation Technologies: the use of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and metaverse platforms in mining.
- Mine Electrification: techniques for reducing carbon emissions, the deployment of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), battery charging innovations, and strategies for sustainable mining.
- Future and Alternative Mining Methods: explorations of deep underground mining, deep-sea mining, brine extraction, in situ leaching, urban mining, and space mining.
Dr. Roohollah Shirani Faradonbeh
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Mining is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- artificial intelligence
- automation
- sustainability
- mine electrification
- simulation
- sensors
- future mining methods
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
Related Special Issue
- Mine Automation and New Technologies in Mining (12 articles)
