Underground mining faces unprecedented challenges requiring real-time information access at opera-tional and strategic levels. Digitalization of mining processes and systematic implementation of arti-ficial intelligence are fundamentally reshaping the industry's operational paradigm. Modern AI-driven solutions enable comprehensive real-time monitoring of equipment utilization and technical condi-tion, transforming both tactical decision-making and long-term strategic planning. The integration of artificial intelligence with digital twins opens unprecedented opportunities for optimizing resource management and predicting technological outcomes with 85-95% accuracy. Contemporary mining demands intelligent tools that transcend historical data analysis, supporting dynamic management through automated reporting, predictive equipment reliability assessment, and continuous workplace condition monitoring. This paper synthesizes a decade of implementation projects and scientific re-search, presenting practical examples of AI applications across the mining value chain - from explora-tion and planning through production, transport, mineral processing, and metallurgical operations. The paper address key challenges in implementing AI across diverse operational scales, identify suc-cess factors, and provide recommendations for mining enterprises seeking to realize the transforma-tive potential of artificial intelligence in underground operations.
A. Krizhevsky et al., “ImageNet classification with deep convolutional neural networks,” in Adv. Neural Inf. Process. Syst., vol. 25, 2012.
A. Skoczylas et al., “Decision support for ore transportation in mining enterprises—a systematic literature review,” Manag. Prod. Eng. Rev., 2025.
A. Skoczylas et al., “Production monitoring and machine tracking in underground mines based on a collision avoidance system: A case study,” Comput. Assist. Methods Eng. Sci., 2025.
A. Saleem, “Automation and artificial intelligence in enhancing mining efficiency and sustainability: A review,” Procedia Environ. Sci. Eng. Manag., vol. 12, pp. 213-228, 2025.
M. A. Ali et al., “AI-driven Mining 4.0: A systematic review of smart, sustainable, and autonomous technologies across the mining lifecycle,” Curr. J. Appl. Sci. Technol., vol. 44, no. 6, pp. 125-139, 2025.
H. Dudycz et al., “Problems and challenges related to advanced data analysis in multi-site enterprises,” Vietnam J. Comput. Sci., vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 1-17, 2022.
P. Stefaniak et al., “Methods of optimization of mining operations in a deep mine—tracking the dynamic overloads using IoT sensor,” IEEE Access, vol. 11, pp. 79384-79396, 2023.
P. Rai and A. Kumar, “Review on PLC SCADA based automated system control applications and challenges,” Eng. Comput. Sci., 2021.
C. Zhou et al., “Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications in underground coal mines,” Min. Eng., vol. 69, no. 12, p. 50, 2017.
P. Nobahar et al., “Exploring digital twin systems in mining operations: A review,” Green Smart Min. Eng., vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 474-492, 2024.
J. Qu et al., “Digital twins in the minerals industry—a comprehensive review,” Min. Technol., vol. 132, no. 4, pp. 267-289, 2023.
M. Soori et al., “AI-based decision support systems in Industry 4.0: A review,” J. Econ. Technol., 2024.
R. Boiger et al., “Direct mineral content prediction from drill core images via transfer learning,” Swiss J. Geosci., vol. 117, no. 1, p. 8, 2024.
A. Balaguera et al., “Machine learning in subsurface physical properties and lithofacies prediction in a mining context,” Sci. Rep., vol. 15, no. 1, art. no. 26495, 2025.
X. Gu et al., “Exploratory analysis of multivariate drill core time series measurements,” in Proc. ANZIAM, vol. 63, pp. C208-C230, 2021.
C. Dusabemariya et al., “Efficient base metal exploration in northern New Brunswick, Canada through a hybrid ANN integrated with ABC and PSO methods,” Geomech. Geophys. Geo-Energy Geo-Resour., vol. 11, no. 1, art. no. 41, 2025.
B. Abbassi et al., “3D geophysical predictive modeling by spectral feature subset selection in mineral exploration,” Minerals, vol. 12, no. 10, art. no. 1296, 2022.
J. Hou et al., “Genetic algorithm to simultaneously optimise stope sequencing and equipment dispatching in underground short-term mine planning under time uncertainty,” Int. J. Min. Reclam. Environ., vol. 34, no. 5, pp. 307-325, 2020.
P. Chimunhu et al., “The future of underground mine planning in the era of machine learning: Opportunities for engineering robustness and flexibility,” Min. Technol., vol. 133, no. 4, pp. 331-347, 2024.
M. Cotrina et al., “Prediction of unit haulage cost in an underground mine using machine learning techniques,” J. Sustain. Min., vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 250-266, 2025.
J. Witulska et al., “Recognition of LHD position and maneuvers in underground mining excavations—identification and parametrization of turns,” Appl. Sci., vol. 11, no. 13, art. no. 6075, 2021.
A. Skoczylas et al., “Deep learning for ore haulage monitoring: Vibrational analysis using a VGG16 network,” IEEE Access, 2025.
P. Stefaniak et al., “Application of wearable computer and ASR technology in an underground mine to support mine supervision of the heavy machinery chamber,” Sensors, vol. 22, no. 19, art. no. 7628, 2022.
N. Okada et al., “Automated identification of mineral types and grain size using hyperspectral imaging and deep learning for mineral processing,” Minerals, vol. 10, no. 9, art. no. 809, 2020.
A. K. Mishra, “AI4R2R (AI for Rock to Revenue): A review of the applications of AI in mineral processing,” Minerals, vol. 11, no. 10, art. no. 1118, 2021.
M. Erkayaoglu and S. Dessureault, “Improving mine-to-mill by data warehousing and data mining,” Int. J. Min. Reclam. Environ., vol. 33, no. 6, pp. 409-424, 2019.
N. Duda-Mróz et al., “Application of wavelet filtering to vibrational signals from the mining screen for spring condition monitoring,” Minerals, vol. 11, no. 10, art. no. 1076, 2021.
M. Saldaña et al., “A decision support system for changes in operation modes of the copper heap leaching process,” Metals, vol. 11, no. 7, art. no. 1025, 2021.
O. Hasidi et al., “Digital twin of minerals processing operations for an advanced monitoring and supervision: Froth flotation process case study,” Int. J. Adv. Manuf. Technol., vol. 132, no. 1, pp. 1031-1049, 2024.
J. Progorowicz et al., “Estimation of final product concentration in metallic ores using convolutional neural networks,” Minerals, vol. 12, no. 12, art. no. 1480, 2022.
W. Cardoso et al., “Artificial neural networks for modelling and controlling the variables of a blast furnace,” in Proc. 2021 IEEE 6th Int. Forum Res. Technol. Soc. Ind. (RTSI), 2021, pp. 148-152.
D. Liu et al., “Artificial neural network vs. nonlinear regression for gold content estimation in pyrometallurgy,” Expert Syst. Appl., vol. 36, no. 7, pp. 10397-10400, 2009.
X. Wang et al., “A multiobjective evolutionary nonlinear ensemble learning with evolutionary feature selection for silicon prediction in blast furnace,” IEEE Trans. Neural Netw. Learn. Syst., vol. 33, no. 5, pp. 2080-2093, 2021.
Q. Shi et al., “Key issues and progress of industrial big data-based intelligent blast furnace ironmaking technology,” Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater., vol. 30, no. 9, pp. 1651-1666, 2023.
J. Brodny and M. Tutak, “The use of artificial neural networks to analyze greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions from the mining and quarrying sector in the European Union,” Energies, vol. 13, no. 8, art. no. 1925, 2020.
A. Jafarpour and S. Khatami, “Analysis of environmental costs’ effect in green mining strategy using a system dynamics approach: A case study,” Math. Probl. Eng., vol. 2021, art. no. 4893776, 2021.
H. Shao et al., “A method for spatio-temporal process assessment of eco-geological environmental security in mining areas using catastrophe theory and projection pursuit model,” Prog. Phys. Geogr. Earth Environ., vol. 45, no. 5, pp. 647-668, 2021.
S. Anufriiev et al., “CNN-based automatic detection of beachlines using UAVs for enhanced waste management in tailings storage facilities,” Appl. Sci., vol. 15, no. 10, art. no. 5786, 2025.
H. Guan and P. Yang, “Advance in artificial intelligence method safety on warning of tailings dam break,” in Proc. 2020 Int. Conf. Computers, Information Processing and Advanced Education, 2020, pp. 229-234.
W. Koperska et al., “Spatial and temporal analysis of surface displacements for tailings storage facility stability assessment,” Appl. Sci., vol. 14, no. 22, art. no. 10715, 2024.
W. Koperska et al., “The tailings storage facility (TSF) stability monitoring system using advanced big data analytics on the example of the Zelazny Most Facility,” Arch. Civ. Eng., pp. 297-311, 2022.
C. E. Stringari et al., “Measuring tailings storage facility bathymetry using Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8/9 multispectral imagery and machine learning,” Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spat. Inf. Sci., vol. 48, pp. 63-69, 2024.
S. Zhironkin and N. Ezdina, “Review of transition from mining 4.0 to mining 5.0 innovative technologies,” Appl. Sci., vol. 13, no. 8, art. no. 4917, 2023.
V. Psyuk and A. Polyanska, “The usage of artificial intelligence in the activities of mining enterprises,” in E3S Web Conf., vol. 526, art. no. 01016, EDP Sciences, 2024.
T. Tyuleneva, “Problems and prospects of regional mining industry digitalization,” in E3S Web Conf., vol. 174, art. no. 04019, EDP Sciences, 2020.
Z. Dragičević and S. Bošnjak, “Digital transformation in the mining enterprise: The empirical study,” Min. Metall. Eng. Bor, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 73-90, 2019.