Russian Mines Go High-Tech With Real-Time Wastewater Monitoring

In a push for greater environmental accountability, a coal mine in Siberia is now tracking its wastewater output in real time using VR-enabled monitoring systems

At the Kirov Mine in Leninsk-Kuznetsky, Kemerovo Region — operated by SUEK-Kuzbass — a new automated system now measures both the quality and volume of wastewater around the clock. The data is streamed in real time using VR technologies, giving regulators and the public a transparent view of the mine’s environmental impact.

The system, launched in cooperation with Russia’s environmental watchdog Rosprirodnadzor, instantly flags anomalies, helping reduce harmful effects on surrounding ecosystems. “This allows us to respond quickly to deviations and minimize environmental damage,” said agency head Svetlana Radionova, noting that the mine is meeting strict ecological standards.

The platform analyzes water composition and automatically uploads the results to the national environmental registry, eliminating human error from the process. The initiative is part of a broader national strategy to digitally transform environmental monitoring — aiming to curb industrial pollution and strengthen corporate responsibility.