Internet of Things and Digitalization for the Circular Economy – a New Lecture at Clausthal University of Technology

According to the 2024 Ernst & Young ranking of top business risk and opportunities in mining and metals, workforce talent recruitment and retention, as well as digital technologies and innovation towards Mining 4.0 remain in the top ten of the outmost challenges for mining. On the first, the industry is conducting several initiatives to address the younger workforce better and to create more attractive workplaces. On the second, not only the industry plays a key role, updating mining engineering curricula to include content related to digital and innovation aligns higher education for mining engineers with the current and future needs of the industry. It also ensures that graduates are not only technically proficient but also equipped to navigate the complexities of implementing and optimizing emerging technologies in the mining sector. Therefore, the Mining Engineer­ing master program at Clausthal University of Technology (CUT), Clausthal-Zellerfeld/Germany, has integrated the course “Internet of Things and Digitalization for the Circular Economy” in its curricula.

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1  Situation and demand

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In the contemporary era, the mining industry is undergoing a transformative evolution at an unprecedented pace, driven by the factors that collectively define the era of Mining 4.0. From the surge in data-driven technologies to the need and demand of compliance with environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations, the forces shaping contemporary mining practices are diverse and multifaceted. Mining 4.0 last, leverages cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency, safety and sustainability in mining operations. At the core of this revolution lies the integration and adaptation of new technologies, leading towards a paradigm shift in mining practices. Implementing new technologies has also impacted the traditional skill set of miners in operation, demanding a deeper understanding of information systems, adaptability and flexibility. Skills that could be supplied by a younger workforce born in this digital era. The digital transformation (DT) requires mining engineers, electrical, mechatronics, software and affine required disciplines. Unfortunately, the industry faces the enormous challenge of attracting a younger generation that is less to not interested in raw materials extraction. The need for action is hereby intensified by an aging active workforce on the way to retirement and the forecast of a rising demand for critical minerals in the coming years. However, not all is negative, a recent survey conducted among 50 CEOs and managers in the metallic industry and associated companies by the Clausthal University of Technology (CUT), Clausthal-Zellerfeld/Germany, revealed a positive widespread acknowledgment among industry leaders that the integration of fresh perspectives by younger professionals has significantly enhanced operational efficiency and innovation within their organizations. The industry leaders that participated in the survey expressed enthusiasm about the adaptability and eagerness of younger employees to embrace sustainable and environmentally conscious practices, aligning with the industry’s evolving priorities. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of the curricula among the top ten mineral and mining engineering universities according to the QS World University Ranking 2023 of the last four years, reveals a compelling shift towards the integration of cutting-edge technologies into mining engineering graduate programs (1). Recognizing the transformative impact of the digital age on the mining industry, four out of the top ten universities have proactively adapted their curricula to equip aspiring mining engineers with the requisite skills for the Mining 4.0 era integrating coursework in the fields of data analytics, big data, Internet of Things (IoT), automation and robotics. Moreover, the shift towards emerging themes in mining engineering curricula does not only cover the DT in mining, it also aligns with the number one of the 2024 Ernst & Young top business risk and opportunities in mining and metals: ESG. Six of the top ten universities, have integrated coursework in topics aligned to tailings management, water management, environmental topics, sustainability in mining and rock slope stability which align with the ESG factors are facing the most scrutiny from investors in 2024 (Figure 1).

Proficiency in these emerging themes is essential for future mining professionals to navigate the evolving landscape effectively. This trend highlights the commitment of top mining engineering schools to produce graduates who are not only well-versed in traditional mining principles but are also adept at harnessing the potential of innovative technologies, ensuring they are at the forefront of shaping the industry’s sustainable and technologically advanced future. Therefore, the Mining Engineering master program at CUT has integrated the course “Internet of Things and Digitalization for the Circular Economy” in its curricula with four target goals. The first major target of the collaboration, as on figure 2, was to integrate digital and innovation components into the curriculum to prepare students to contribute to the industrie’s ongoing transformation. The second goal was to address technological challenges needed to thrive the DT for mining, fostering a holistic understanding of technology, its implementation and encouraging collaboration among future mining engineers. The third goal was to improve and promote technological literacy among mining engineering master students, providing them with exposure to the terms, definitions and elements of cutting-edge technologies, ensuring they are well-prepared to leverage and contribute to advancements in the field upon entering the workforce. At last, the fourth goal, was to foster collaboration and partnerships led by the interdisciplinary characteristics of the lecturers and students, as well by enhancing the collaboration with industrial partners through guest lectures and hands-on activities like coding workshops. The course finalized its second edition at the end of the summer term 2023 and is preparing to its third edition in the summer term of 2024.

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2  Approach and course scope

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The “Internet of Things and Digitalization for the Circular Economy” course is been chaired by the Software Services of the Circular Economy Chair of the Institute for Software and Systems Engineering (ISSE), led by Prof. Benjamin Leiding, as a digital supported course in coordination with the Institute of Mining, Department of Underground Mining Methods and Machinery, at CUT. This is a second semester lecture part of the Mining Engineering Master program at CUT (Figure 3).

The course spans ten lectures and seven exercises on diverse topics related to IoT, technology, circular economy, and IoT in mining supplemented by two coding workshops as showcased on figure 4. All teaching materials are continuously updated and available via a CC-BY-SA-4.0 License at a Github repository. By taking part in this lecture, students are able to learn about circular economy in relation to the IoT, the technologies that enable IoT and its industrial applications. An important update to the first edition of this lecture was the integration of two “IoT in Mining” lectures, L08 and L09. In L08, the concept of future digital mines is introduced, the specific applications of IoT in mining industry throughout the mine value chain and the parameters that build the backbone of the DT in mining such as communication systems, data processing and associated technologies. Later, in L09, specific examples are introduced by the designation of a section for industrial guest speakers. In the summer term of 2023 CUT could count with the participation of one German mining company and one original machinery manufacturer (OEM) addressing the topics IoT in mining and Automation in Mining. Finally, L09, also introduced examples of circular economy in mining. Considering the dynamic character of the lecture, a feedback mechanism has been implemented, composed by a satisfaction assessment with focus groups involving students and feedback rounds with the lecturers to continuously address and assess the effectiveness of the course. Hereby, the input from students has been necessary to define adjustments to improve the overall learning experience.

The overall response from the side of the students that participated in each edition has been positive, confirming the success of the implementation. Students have especially welcomed the implementation of the IoT in Mining sessions and the guided content related to DT from the side of the ISSE. Furthermore, the lecturers have highlighted the mining engineering student’s motivation, their willingness to learn more and their practical approach during the coding workshops.

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3  Outlook

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In conclusion, the digital supported course named “Internet of Things and Digitalization for Circular Economy” at CUT emerges as a supportive resource in the context of Mining 4.0, providing a dynamic platform for disseminating knowledge and fostering expertise within the mining sector. This course comprehensively navigates the landscape of digital technologies and their application in mining, addressing crucial emerging topics such as IoT, data analytics and sustainable practices.

It ensures that students gain an understanding of how cutting-edge technologies are reshaping traditional mining practices. Moreover, the lecture actively engages participants in practical implementations through live lecture streaming, case studies, exercises and promoting a hands-on approach to learning via workshops.

All teaching materials are available via a CC-BY-SA-4.0 License at a Github repository accessible via this link https://github.com/ETCE-LAB/teaching-material/tree/master/IoT-and-Digitalization-for-the-Circular-Economy or the QR Code:

Is your company conducting technology and innovation implementations in mining and you are interested in joining the third edition as a guest speaker? Please contact one of the authors for further information.

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