Five Breakthrough Tech Trends Reshaping the Mining Industry

Mining companies are betting big on digital tools to boost efficiency and safety. A new study highlights five technologies driving the transformation—and delivering fast returns.

Russian mining firms are accelerating their push into digital solutions, aiming to make operations safer and more productive. Experts at the company REXOFT identified the most effective innovations in their new report, 'Return on Investment in Digital Technologies in Russia.'

At the top of the list: dispatch systems for managing mining operations. For open-pit and underground sites that still rely on manual processes, these tools bring immediate results. They streamline logistics, track equipment performance and location, reduce downtime, and cut fuel costs.

Second on the list are digital assistants. These smart systems guide operators with optimal driving routes or fine-tune technical settings in real time. Machine vision is also gaining ground. It’s used to monitor safety conditions, guide equipment positioning, analyze raw material composition, and track machinery health. Another innovation—3D printing of spare parts—helps companies produce components on demand.

Wearable tech is also reshaping safety. 'Smart helmets' and RFID tags act as terminals within management systems, monitoring the position of workers and vehicles to prevent collisions. According to the report, investments in such tools tend to pay off quickly.

Finally, AR and VR technologies are becoming more widespread, particularly in training and workforce support. For companies under pressure to modernize, these immersive tools are seen as both practical and cost-effective.