Dear readers, in this third issue of Mining Report Glückauf, we are responding to the feedback we have received since the start of the year. The switch to a purely digital publication was met with a positive response, but the decision not to include a German-language version of our articles has led to some regret and a desire to reconsider this matter. We have done just that, and you can see the result today: the German version is back!
ISSUE 03/2026 // FOCUS OF THIS ISSUE: Technical Developments
The Use of Virtual Reality in the Construction and Mining Sector
Overview of the federated model for the shaft sinking.Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly transforming the construction and mining industries by improving the visualisation of designs, planning, coordination, collaboration and operational efficiency. Immersive 3D environments enable project stakeholders to better understand complex projects such as infrastructure systems, underground tunnels and mining operations even before physical implementation. In the construction sector, VR supports design validation, collision detection and the involvement of stakeholders, leading to improved decision-making and less rework. In mining, it enables the simulation of hazardous environments, the training of operating personnel, and the optimisation of mining and shaft construction processes …
Authors: Alev Yalcinkaya, Civil Engineer/BIM Manager, Jonas Kiehl, Cad Administrator/BIM Manager, Thyssen Schachtbau GmbH, Mülheim/Ruhr/Germany DOI: 10.66356/mrg.2026.03.01.ENUVRCM
Evaluation of a Continuously Measuring Point Sensor for Determining Air Velocity
Grid measurement. Photo: F. GüntherMine ventilation is of central importance for safety in underground mining. It can account for up to 50 % of total energy consumption. To improve efficiency, optimised control is necessary, which requires continuous measurement of air velocity. One option for data acquisition is cross-sectional-representative ultrasonic systems, which provide precise measurements; however, these are costly and site-specific. In this paper, a continuously measuring ultrasonic point sensor is investigated as an alternative in the Research and Teaching Mine at Technical University (TU) Bergakademie Freiberg, Freiberg/Germany, and compared with a reference system. A correlation between local and cross-section-averaged velocity was derived using regression analysis …
Authors: Dr.-Ing. Franziska Günther, Dipl.-Ing. Amarbayasgalan Baasanzorig, Dipl-Ing. Max Friedemann, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, Freiberg/Germany DOI: 10.66356/mrg.2026.03.02.ENECMPS
Development and Establishment of Calibration and Validation Sites for Radar Interferometric Analyses (InSAR) for Monitoring Ground Movement caused by Mine Water Rebound during the Post-Mining Era
RAG MSST “NOST” consists of a DCR600 with adapters for terrestrial targets, GNSS-antenna and weather sensor at the roof edge (left); CHORUS-ready: RAG MSST “BARL”, a portable and removable GNSS-TriCR600 and weather sensor (right).For several years now, satellite-based radar interferometry (InSAR) have been establishing themselves in day-to-day operations for the large-scale monitoring of ground movements in areas of both active and decommissioned mineral extraction. The combination of remote sensing techniques, such as satellite navigation (global satellite navigation system, GNSS) and interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), with traditional terrestrial surveying methods such as levelling and tacheometry holds great potential for reducing the time and labour-intensive terrestrial surveying to the absolute minimum required. During the transitional period required for this system conversion, these new methods must be examined and tested for their suitability, quality and robustness in order to be recognised and approved for use in mining documentation or within the framework of regulatory requirements …
Joint Storage of Lithium-Ion Batteries and Oxygen Self-Rescuers – Recommendations for Safe Operation
Illustration of battery-powered cap lamps and commonly used oxygen self-rescuers.Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and oxygen self-rescuers (SSRs) are standard equipment, particularly in the mining industry. Both product groups are frequently made available to staff in lamp rooms, equipment issue points and charging areas in close proximity for collection at the start of a shift. This brings together different hazard mechanisms: in the event of a fault, LIBs can lead to thermal runaway, resulting in fire and the release of hazardous fumes. SSRs release chemically bound oxygen and may therefore support or intensify combustion.
Author: Tim Kuhne, Advisor in the Fire Safety Unit of the Emergency Management Prevention Department at the German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the Raw Materials and Chemical Industry (BG RCI), Heidelberg/Germany, and Head of the Workplace Fire Safety Section at the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), Berlin/Germany) DOI: 10.66356/mrg.2026.03.04.ENJSLIB
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