Russian Scientists Claim Mining Tech Breakthrough With 20% Efficiency Boost
Researchers in Siberia say a new algorithm can cut energy use in open-pit mining by as much as one-fifth, potentially saving companies millions while lowering emissions.
Russian scientists have built an AI-driven system designed to slash energy consumption across the country’s mining sector by 4.5 to 20.7 percent. The technology has already been tested at a coal mine in Siberia, where it uncovered hidden energy losses and mapped out how to fix them, according to industry outlet Pervyi Tekhnicheskii.
Unlike conventional expert assessments, which rely heavily on human judgment, the new model is fueled by precise machine data. It tracks thousands of parameters from excavators and haul trucks, then determines the optimal level of energy use while flagging inefficient operating modes.
The mechanics are straightforward. Sensors capture power consumption under different conditions — hauling loads, running idle, climbing uphill, or rolling downhill. The system then calculates how much energy the machinery should consume in optimal conditions. By comparing actual usage to that baseline, the algorithm identifies waste and traces it back to causes such as worn-out parts, operator errors, or incorrect settings. Crucially, it can distinguish between temporary issues, like harsh weather, and systemic ones that can be fixed.
Field tests at the Siberian coal mine revealed energy losses as high as 20 percent. Addressing those inefficiencies could save millions of kilowatt-hours annually, along with tens of millions of rubles in operating costs.
Researchers say the approach is scalable beyond mining. Applied to other heavy industries, it could improve profitability while reducing environmental impact. And if adopted at scale, the system could make Russia’s extractive sector more competitive on the global stage.
