Russia Develops First Logical Digital Model of a Mining Operation

Building the Digital Mine

For years, mining enterprises were considered among the most difficult industrial sites to digitize. The challenges ranged from complex terrain and vast open areas to unpredictable weather and the absence of stable, repeatable production cycles. Each workday in mining is influenced by multiple variables that resist conventional forecasting models.

Despite this, specialists from the National University of Science and Technology MISIS (NUST MISIS) have succeeded in developing a logical digital model of a mining operation.

The model is based on a systems approach that represents the mine as a network of interconnected processes and concepts organized into a knowledge base. It unifies all components of the mining enterprise into a single digital entity: technological chains, physical assets, control agents, and information flows.

The model goes beyond recommendations — it is capable of taking over routine technological processes. The system can be applied not only to mining, but also to any industrial setting where it is difficult to monitor every operational element. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Mining Institute.

“Our solution enables industrial facilities to be described not as loosely structured data, but as a logical model understandable to both humans and machines. This is a necessary step toward truly autonomous industrial systems where software agents can interact, analyze data, and independently regulate production processes.”

Sergey Deryabin

Senior Lecturer, Department of Automated Control Systems, NUST MISIS

Upgrading Mining Projects

This year, Rosatom and the Sergei Ordzhonikidze Russian State Geological Prospecting University (MGRI) announced a joint program to modernize mining projects. Rosatom’s engineering center, VNIPIpromtechnologii JSC, is leading the effort.

The goal is to improve the quality of mine design and construction by combining academic expertise and industrial engineering practice. The agreement includes research and development that will enable more precise ore-body modeling using additive manufacturing, enhanced process-control systems, and improved operational safety.

The working group’s scope includes satellite-based surface monitoring, open-pit modeling with environmental factors, seismic risk assessment, and testing of new extraction methods prior to creating a full-scale digital twin. The agreement also gives university scientists access to large-scale industrial projects and provides students with hands-on experience in real-world mining challenges.

From Virtual to Operational Reality

The MISIS digital model is a strategic milestone for Russia’s mining sector, laying the technological foundation for autonomous production systems and strengthening the country’s industrial capabilities.

As a configurable product, the model may also be in demand abroad, especially in countries lacking academic or R&D infrastructure but seeking advanced digital mining tools.

Domestic deployment will be the first step: from single-site digitalization to enterprise-wide and multi-mine ecosystems. The long-term vision is a fully integrated digital mining landscape powered by logical models, machine-to-machine decision-making, and autonomous process regulation.