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ISSUE 05/2025 // FOCUS OF THIS ISSUE: Digitalisation and AI in Mining

Advanced First Aid: Mine Rescue Services

Under mining law, mining companies maintain mine rescue services to ensure medical care and transport for injured persons in emergencies. However, changes in German mining mean that optimal medical first aid is not always possible. A new course concept is now intended to ensure that rapid assistance can still be provided in an emergency.

Author: Dipl.-Ing. Roman Preißler, Leitung Präventionsabteilung Notfallmanagement, Berufsgenossenschaft Rohstoffe und chemische Industrie (BG RCI), Clausthal-Zellerfeld/Germany

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Experiences and Findings for Sustainable Mine Water Management in Underground Hard Coal Mining

Managing mine water level rebound is a key task in post-mining operations. The focus here is on finding a controlled, sustainable and ecologically and economically viable solution for all parties involved. Intensive research and scientific monitoring of past and ongoing mine water level rebound in recent decades have enabled reliable control and documentation of the monitored processes, as well as a deeper understanding of the “mine water system” and the processes induced by mine water level rebound on the environment …

Authors: Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Westermann, Dr. rer. nat. Bastian Reker, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Christian Melchers, Forschungszentrum Nachbergbau (FZN), Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola (THGA), Bochum /Germany

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Digitalisation, Automation and Networking – a Comparison of the Automotive and Mining Industries

Advancing digitalisation, automation and networking are transforming industries worldwide. Two industries that are particularly affected by these developments are mining and automotive. While both sectors are being revolutionised by technological innovations, there are significant differences in the way these technologies are used …

Author: Dipl.-Ing. Roman Preißler, Leitung Präventionsabteilung Notfallmanagement, Berufsgenossenschaft Rohstoffe und chemische Industrie (BG RCI), Clausthal-Zellerfeld/Germany

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Integration of a Stereo Camera-Based SLAM-Algorithm for Localization and Mapping in Mining

Automation and autonomisation in the mining industry are advancing, with the efficient navigation of mobile equipment in dynamic mining environments posing a key challenge. This article presents the implementation of a stereo camera-based SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) algorithm for continuous mapping and localisation in open-pit mining. The use of stereovision-based approaches enables three-dimensional capture of the environment …

Authors: Silas Beckord B. Sc., Dr.-Ing. Moritz Ziegler, Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Elisabeth Clausen, Institute for Advanced Mining Technologies (AMT), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen/Germany

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Shielding and Robotisation: A New Integrated Concept for Enhancing Safety and Efficiency in Drill-and-Blast Operations

Shielding and robotisation are opening up new perspectives for underground drill-and-blast development. By isolating the high-risk area near the face using a mobile, double-barrier shielding system, the presence of personnel in this zone can be entirely avoided. This shielded system is complemented by an integrated buffer storage unit for the mined material and a controlled material transfer through the shields …

Authors: Univ.-Prof. DI. Dr. mont. Nikolaus August Sifferlinger, Lehrstuhl für Bergbaukunde, Dr. mont. Eric Fimbinger, Lehrstuhl für Aufbereitung, Dipl.-Ing. Katharina Skoff, Lehrstuhl für Bergbaukunde, Montanuniversität Leoben, Leoben/Österreich

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Ground Freezing and TBM Interface Management at the HS2 Project: Practical Experience from Tunnelling in London

The construction of the cross passages in the Northolt Tunnels West (NTW) section of the HS2 project in London/UK required artificial ground freezing under challenging geological, logistical and construction-related conditions. The freezing works for eleven cross passages were carried out by the RDMI Freezing JV (Redpath Deilmann GmbH, Dortmund/Germany and DMI Injektionstechnik GmbH, Berlin/Germany) and took place …

Authors: Yusuf Jinadu M. Sc., Site Engineer, Alexander Herdt, Site Manager Ground Freezing, Redpath Deilmann GmbH, Dortmund/Germany, Dipl.-Ing. Tobias Stiel, Site Manager Drilling, DMI Injektionstechnik GmbH, Berlin/Germany, Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Werner Siedentopf, Project Manager, Redpath Deilmann GmbH, Dortmund/Germany

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Digitalisation in Mining – the Backbone of Smart Energy Management

The 28 member companies of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) have jointly committed to net zero emissions by 2050. The ICMM includes some of the world’s largest mining companies, such as BHP, Rio Tinto and Anglo American, and represents around one third of the global mining industry (1). A key part of this decarbonisation of mining is the challenge of finding answers to how energy will be managed …

Author: Stefan Ebert M. Sc., AMT Digital GmbH, Aachen/Germany

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RWE Climate Liability According to the Higher Regional Court of Hamm Ruling of 28th May 2025

Are energy companies liable for the consequences of CO2 emissions from coal-fired power generation in this country in distant countries? So is there global climate liability? On 28th May 2025, the Higher Regional Court (OLG) Hamm, Hamm/Germany, issued a spectacular ruling on this issue, ultimately dismissing the lawsuit against RWE AG, Essen/Germany, but only because no concrete danger of damage to the plaintiff’s property in Peru could be proven. On the other hand …

Author: Prof. Dr. jur. Walter Frenz, Maître en Droit Public, Lehr- und Forschungsgebiet Berg- und Umweltrecht (BUR), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen/Germany

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