Russian Mining Industry Turns to Digital Twins and 3D Printing

In a push for autonomy and efficiency, Russian companies like Nornickel are embracing AI-driven emissions forecasting and additive manufacturing technologies.

Russia’s mining companies are rapidly adopting digital and additive manufacturing solutions to reduce dependence on imports and boost industrial performance. Among the most notable innovations are an AI-powered emissions forecasting system and 3D printing for complex replacement parts without original blueprints. These technologies are being implemented at facilities such as Nornickel, reports Gazeta.ru.

The company’s new system, Axioma, is a digital twin platform that predicts the spread of harmful emissions, taking into account both weather patterns and industrial processes. It’s currently the only certified AI system in Russia approved for use in the oil and gas, energy, and chemical sectors.

In response to sanctions, Nornickel is using reverse engineering: scanning worn components, generating 3D models, and rapidly printing replacements. One example: a 500-kilogram spiral chamber for a pump unit was printed in days, compared to a traditional one-year manufacturing timeline. This dramatically reduces downtime and costs.

Nornickel Vice President Dmitry Pristanskov emphasized that import substitution is no longer just about replacing foreign parts, but a core part of strategic industrial development. The company is investing in additive manufacturing and scientific collaboration to build competitive advantages across the sector.

These innovations are not only helping Russia wean itself off foreign technology, but also improving product quality, accelerating production, and mitigating environmental risks in the mining industry.