The 8th Mining 4.0 Summit was a defining moment – loudly shifting the emphasis of the industry from incremental change to rapid transformation. In an era when global demand for critical raw materials is in head-on conflict with increasing environmental regulations, the need for technological reinvention couldn’t be more evident. This conference offered much more than just discussions; it presented a highly structured “Roadmap for the Future.” It brought the pioneers of technology together with the frontend operators in mining to discuss how sophisticated digital tools, automation, & AI can meet these twin promises of productivity & sustainability.
Moreover, the energy in Barcelona was electric, reflecting the urgency and the opportunity of this new industrial revolution. We’re moving into a future where efficiency will be inseparable from responsibility, and this article takes you inside some of the most impactful sessions & strategic alliances that set the seal on the next generation of Mining 4.0.
Sessions at the 8th Mining 4.0 Summit
The tightly packed agenda of the summit provided a panoramic view of the digital mine. It reiterated the message that all facets of the business are now open to intelligent transformation. So, this section will provide a glimpse of all sessions that have contributed to shaping the next-generation solutions for applying the principles of Mining 4.0:
Sustainability 4.0: Innovating for a sustainable mining industry
Speaker – Jesús LAINE CUERVO, Area Leader of Sustainable Mining and By-Products, ArcelorMittal Global R&D Spain
Digitalization enables a more sustainable mining process, underscored the speaker. He went further to elaborate on how technology can be deployed for better management of tailings and the reduction of environmental risk. The session also explored how 4.0 technologies can support circularity. This is through material reuse and process optimization. Furthermore, those in attendance got to see future technologies that have the potential to disrupt sustainability in mining. Innovation remains one of the main drivers for responsible/forward-looking operations, as per the practical insights the speaker gave on how digital tools can be integrated to enhance productivity. This is while reducing ecological impact.
AI Innovation: Critical Decisions that Matter
Speaker – Vinay POOJARY, Manager – AI, Data Platforms and Foundations, Vale Base Metals
The speaker presented a decision framework that guides AI projects right from conception to execution. He showed how it is important to define the job correctly and also to know when to stop. Moreover, this session went through why AI projects succeed or fail due to strategic decisions during funding, execution, & scale-up. Participants learned how structured choices in the design of a project create consequences that guarantee the realization of tangible results. He added that efforts around AI need to be aligned with the goals of the organization, resources used judiciously, and intentional, deliberate steps taken. These are all traits that lend direction and purpose to some AI initiatives. It also makes them different from those that drift without any impact.
Resource-constrained mining: How to maximize reliability and productivity with scarce resources
Speaker – Mikhail DAGAEV, Mining – Digital Sales Leader, Cordant Solutions, Baker Hughes
The session was on ways of maintaining reliability and productivity, considering scarce resources. Furthermore, the session focused on breaking functional silos and integrating the asset management disciplines for enhancing overall efficiency. Participants were taught how to make maintenance world-class. This is through relevant master data and how first-principles engineering, integrated with AI/ML, enables better asset health. Additionally, practical insights for maximizing performance in the face of constraints were also discussed, as were digital tools, combined with structured methodologies. This is to maximize uptime, minimize failures, & keep mining operations productive and reliable in the face of operational challenges.
Digital Transformation in Mining
Speaker – Anna ZANETTI, Strategic Communications Manager, Euromines
The speaker presented how mining innovation serves the needs of both the EU Green Deal and the Critical Raw Materials Act. This session demonstrated how Mining 4.0 is changing resource extraction while reducing the environmental footprint. Moreover, exemplary cases from the Euromines Sustainable Mining Initiative were also brought forward. This is to demonstrate the practical use of such technologies. Attendees learned about the potential role of digital/innovative solutions in improving operations with sustainability-related objectives in mind. Additionally, the speaker underlined that integrating technological solutions into regulatory frameworks:
- Ensures compliance,
- Increases efficiency,
- And furthers the development process of mining companies toward environmentally responsible and modernized operations.
Mining innovation: what worked for us in each pillar-safety, efficiency, increasing production, maintenance, and logistics.
Speaker – Avi BOVLIL, Director of Process Engineering, ARP, OE, and R&D, ICL IBP
He shared very practical lessons in implementing innovation across various operational pillars. This session addressed higher output enabled by:
- Smart mining solutions,
- Improved maintenance with predictive analytics and remote monitoring,
- And efficiency improvements with automation and data analytics.
Safety enhancements as a result of targeted innovation were also featured in the session. In fact, the delegates were given a well-rounded perspective on technology that could assist with every part of mining operations. There was a spotlight on real-world applications that combine data-driven insights with operational improvements. It showed how each pillar has a contribution toward safer/more efficient mining operations.
Engineering the Future of Electric & Connected Working Vehicles
Speaker – Núria ORTEGA MARTÍN, R&D Manager, HIMESA
The session discussed the technical/operational benefits of electrification for underground mining transportation. Furthermore, she talked about the insights coming from retrofitting heavy-duty vehicles and designing batteries for spaces where safety and size really matter. Moreover, the speaker explained how HIMESA links these systems through PEGASUS MINE to monitor performance and keep things running smoothly. With these upgrades, teams are already seeing fewer emissions, lower maintenance needs, and a better view of how their fleets operate. Additionally, she said that bringing electrification and connectivity together is making underground mining efficient/cleaner/ more reliable.
Fleetwide Equipment Automation Underground: the Power of Agnostic Retrofit
Speaker – Tobias SCHINDLER, Commercial Business Manager, Nerospec SK
The speaker went through how underground mining operations are going from machine control to full automation. The session addressed the challenges that come up in underground conditions and put emphasis on the importance of automated machine operation in today’s mining scene. Moreover, a key focus was on agnostic retrofit solutions that can be applied to any machine/OEM/model. This allows for a seamless inclusion without replacing anything major. The discussion also went to real-world use cases that gave a glimpse of the autonomous operation of mobile mining equipment. This attached a practical value to this approach.
AI, Vendor Data Centralization, and the Future of Technology Adoption
Speaker – Lorelei RATUSHNIAK, Founder & CEO, EOD Inc.
The session went through how the mining industry can prepare for the inevitable rise/integration of AI by addressing any barriers to technology usage. It focused on the crucial need for vendor data centralization. This puts a highlight on how scattered data limits progress and also makes decision-making complex. Additionally, the discussion explored the challenges of managing multiple vendor systems and the importance of a unified framework of data. By making data practices fall in line, mining can unlock the full potential of AI and move toward a more connected/technology-driven future.
Thriving through change: Recent mining trends and solutions around circularity, advanced analytics, and more effective productivity of equipment
Speaker – Elitza TERZOVA, Global Sector Manager Mining, Shell
He spoke about the latest trends in mining globally and how companies can respond to disruption. The session explored how circular practices can strengthen sustainability efforts across mining operations. Attendees also got to know about the combination of greasing with digitalization for improved productivity of equipment & efficiency of operations. Furthermore, the speaker emphasized pragmatic ways in which advanced analytics and technology can be embedded within core daily operations. This session emphasized the importance of adapting to change and pursuing sustainable/ digital-enabled solutions as key factors. These enable companies to keep up in terms of performance, productivity, & competitiveness in a changing environment for mining.
PANEL DISCUSSION: How can technology-driven sustainability influence the future of responsible mining practices?
Moderator – Vinay POOJARY, Manager – AI, Data Platforms and Foundations, Vale Base Metals
Panelists –
- Avi BOVLIL, Director of Process Engineering, ARP, OE, and R&D, ICL IBP
- Mark SCRUTTON, Group Mine Planning Director, Imerys
- Jesús LAINE CUERVO, Area Leader of Sustainable Mining and By-Products, ArcelorMittal Global R&D Spain
The role of technology in defining sustainable mining was discussed by the panel. The panel & moderator discussed the potential for AI, digitalization, and innovation to enhance environmental performance without compromising operational efficiency. Attendees learned how to apply sustainability goals to very practical technology use cases. It includes smart resource usage, data-informed decision-making, and operations monitoring. Moreover, the panel showcased a variety of perspectives on technology to enable responsible mining and demonstrated how strategic execution could balance safety & efficiency. This is with responsible stewardship of the environment for sustainable success.
Boliden Edge Lab
Speaker – Rasmus TAMMIA, Program Manager – AI in Mining, Boliden
This session was a deep dive into the origins of Boliden Edge Lab and why its establishment was the mark of a crucial milestone in the company’s AI journey. Furthermore, it outlined how the lab sits in support of R&D focused on applying AI to process control and mine automation. This makes way for consistent testing, learning, & improvement. The discussion also put emphasis on how such an environment helps fill the gap between innovation and real-world operations. This positions Boliden to advance safer, smarter, & more efficient mining with the help of applied AI.
Moving forward, our operations with new technologies
Speaker – Mark SCRUTTON, Group Mine Planning Director, Imerys
The session examined how new technologies are molding operational practices, turning early concepts into tangible outcomes. It detailed the transition from idea to execution, putting emphasis on the practical steps/challenges faced during technology rollout. Moreover, a key highlight of the session was the inclusion of Strayos, showing how its use supports:
- Data-driven planning,
- Blast optimization,
- And real-time decision-making in the field.
With these examples, the session gave an illustration as to how innovation becomes embedded in everyday mining processes. This drives major improvements in efficiency & operational control.
Digitalization of underground operations
Speaker – Alberto GONZÁLEZ ENES, Head of Technology, Sandfire MATSA
The speaker outlined the roadmap to digitizing underground operations at Sandfire Matsa. Furthermore, the session covered the key principles, next steps, as well as strategic considerations in the application of digital technologies. Moreover, participants received a preview of how digitalization can elevate their monitoring, decision-making, & operational efficiency. Additionally, there was an emphasis on structured planning & progressive deployment, with a core focus on successful integration of technology. The speaker also gave practical insight into exactly how mining operations can modernize underground processes without losing any performance or safety. This is while ensuring that their digital solutions can deliver measurable improvements across an operation.
Making Smart Mining a Reality
Speaker – John McCANN, Mining Practice, SES
The speaker explained how digitalization, automation, & satellite connectivity are changing the face of mining. Furthermore, this session highlighted:
- Data-driven efficiency by means of real-time access & analysis,
- Connectivity challenges from remote sites,
- And the impact of SES’s O3b MEO satellite network.
Additionally, the audience was exposed to the role of SES in crafting a resilient cloud ecosystem with scalable/high-speed satellite connectivity for mining processes.
Strategic Long-Term Mine Planning at RHI Magnesita GmbH
Speakers – Thomas FRÖMMER, Head of Global Raw Material & Geology, RHI Magnesita; Tomislav STJEPAN KALINIC, Project Manager Mining, RHI Magnesita
This session was a glimpse into how RHI Magnesita GmbH approaches strategic long-term mine planning across its 15+ global mining sites. It includes both underground & open-pit. Moreover, with deposits that sit high with magnesite and dolomite, the company conducts centralized planning. This optimizes operations and also guides strategic decisions. The process also determines deposit lifetimes on the basis of current extraction volumes. This offers crucial insights for future strategy in mining. Additionally, these long-term plans also act as a foundation for mid- & short-term planning. This makes way for RHI Magnesita to maintain operational control & ensure sustainable management of the resource.
Autonomous Operation of Industrial Equipment Using Artificial Intelligence
Speaker – Rauno HEIKKILÄ, Dr. Tech, Professor of Digitalized Construction and Mining Operations, University of Oulu
This session explored the use of AI in advancing autonomous control systems for working machinery across several sectors. It put a highlight on how AI modules, networks, & localization technologies help machines to operate with incredible precision & adaptability. Furthermore, the discussion covered applications in construction, forestry, & mining. This showcased how smart automation pushes efficiency and safety. Moreover, a key focus was on the concept of autonomous swarms. This is where multiple machines come in collaboration through AI-based coordination. So, this is a representation of the next step in fully autonomous/connected/self-optimizing industrial operations.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Future-proofing mine planning: Adapting software for the next generation of mining
Moderator – Vinay POOJARY, Manager – AI, Data Platforms and Foundations, Vale Base Metals
Panelists:
- Mark SCRUTTON, Group Mine Planning Director, Imerys
- Rauno HEIKKILÄ, Dr. Tech, Professor of Digitalized Construction and Mining Operations, University of Oulu
This discussion was bent on how mine planning software must move forward to stay relevant amid changing industry realities. The moderator & panelists discussed adapting existing tools to support:
- Digital integration,
- Complex orebody modeling,
- And dynamic scenario planning.
Moreover, attention was given to making systems that can withstand rapid change in technology. This is while remaining practical for everyday planning requirements. By bridging legacy frameworks with modern capabilities, the session put a highlight on how adaptable software design makes sure of consistent performance, informed decision-making, & resilience in the next-gen of mining operations.
Sponsors At the 8th Mining 4.0 Summit
This technological leap captured at the 8th Mining 4.0 Summit would not have been possible without the visionary support of its key sponsors/partners. These firms form that important link between conceptual innovation & on-the-ground implementation. This brings in the cutting-edge hardware, software, & services that turn mine sites into connected digital ecosystems. So, let’s take a closer look:
HIMESA – Silver Sponsor
HIMESA is an engineering company from Spain that started about a century ago. They specialize in expanding the lifespan & performance of heavy machinery in mining & public works. Furthermore, this is why the company’s main focus today is electrifying and upgrading mobile equipment. This work directly helps clients run sustainable operations that release fewer emissions. Moreover, HIMESA provides very technical solutions, like overhauls and designing custom components. They also handle diagnostics and R&D. They’re a trusted name because they have six big warehouses stuffed with over 10,000 spare parts, and they hold key partnerships with giants like Epiroc and Cummins.
At the 8th Mining 4.0 Summit, HIMESA was there to share practical insights on how you can switch from using diesel to electric mining fleets. They based everything on their real, hands-on experience from various retrofit projects. The team proved that you can seriously boost both safety and efficiency. This happens when you use smart systems like modular battery power, live diagnostics, and connected monitoring in dark, underground areas. They also presented a clear plan for modern mining by integrating their digital system, PEGASUS MINE. This helps their customers cut pollution, spend less on maintenance, and easily see what their entire fleet is doing.
Nerospec SK – Bronze Sponsor
Nerospec SK is a global company that provides advanced systems for safety and automation in mining. The company was created in 2020 through a joint venture between South Africa’s Nerospec Group and Germany’s Schmidt Kranz. Furthermore, they deliver cutting-edge solutions for three main areas: avoiding collisions, monitoring fleets in real-time, & controlling vehicles autonomously through sophisticated retrofits. Their flagship product is the Vehicle Intervention Control (VIC). It meets the EMESRT Level 9 standards as it automatically steps in to prevent accidents. Because their technology is modular and works with over 550 types of machines, Nerospec SK makes underground operations safer and more efficient worldwide.
At the summit, Nerospec SK demonstrated how they can bring automation to mixed fleets using their agnostic retrofit solutions. Their session clearly showed the process of moving from older, traditional machine control to full automation. Additionally, this approach tackles the tough challenges found underground, while also boosting safety and productivity. They showed real efficiency gains from their autonomous loading and hauling systems. This proved a key point: mining operations can modernize using scalable, in-house innovation without having to replace their entire fleet.
Baker Hughes – Bronze Sponsor
Baker Hughes is a global leader in energy technology, and they work across more than 120 countries. They serve the entire energy and industrial world. Even though they started in oil, the company now heavily invests in the energy transition with new ideas in hydrogen, geothermal, & capturing carbon. Moreover, their Industrial & Energy Technology (IET) group pushes improvements in things like going digital, controlling pollution, and building new infrastructure. They also use their Cordant Solutions platform to give clients special digital & analytical tools. These tools are designed to make the mining sector safer, more efficient, and much cleaner.
So, at the 8th Mining 4.0 Summit, Baker Hughes mainly talked about strategies to help mining companies stay reliable and productive. That’s always tough when resources are limited. Their approach combined AI, machine learning, and data to manage equipment. This smart mix helps simplify maintenance work and makes sure different operational teams stop working in isolation. By focusing on getting their master data perfect and watching their equipment health live, the company showed a key takeaway: digital systems can make machinery perform much better and cut down on costly waiting time across the whole mining process.
Shell Lubricants – Presenting Partner
Shell Lubricants has been the top global supplier of finished lubricants for nearly 18 years straight, controlling a huge 11.6% of the market. They run operations in over 175 countries, managing more than 32 blending plants. Plus, they employ a big team – 300 scientists and specialists – whose only job is to innovate lubricants. For example, they developed the advanced Helix Ultra range with PurePlus Technology. This smart tech actually helps engines perform better, saves fuel, and cuts CO2 emissions. If we talk about their commitment towards sustainability, more than half of the electricity used for their manufacturing comes from renewable sources.
When it comes to the summit, Shell Lubricants demonstrated how smart greasing & digital tools can increase productivity and drive circularity in mining. They focused on connecting greasing systems directly with data analytics. This means companies can predict exactly when equipment needs maintenance, cutting down on waste and making the machinery last much longer. Shell linked sustainability with better operational performance to prove a key idea: lubrication is now a high-tech tool. It plays a massive role in making mines greener and more efficient as the industrial world quickly changes.
JVK® Filtration Systems GmbH – Exhibition Partner
JVK Filtration Systems GmbH started in Germany way back in 1962. They’re basically a global leader in filter technology, specializing in separating solids from liquids. They work with a bunch of different fields – mining, chemicals, food, water treatment, you name it. Furthermore, JVK has around 170 skilled staff members, and they make super-tough filter plates out of advanced stuff like thermoplastics/ultra-high molecular polyolefins. Get this: over two million of their filter components are running right now all over the world. Their ISO 9001 certification just backs up their reliable, precise work.
So, what did JVK talk about at the 8th Mining 4.0 Summit? They were all about making mining filtration both sustainable/efficient. They focused heavily on designing custom pieces, making sure the product lasts (durability), and optimizing the whole process. Additionally, they proved that using advanced filters directly helps clean up processing and cuts back on resource usage. The big takeaway was this: filter technology is absolutely key to getting better environmental results. It also helps in boosting operational efficiency and achieving long-term success in modern mining.
SES – Presenting Partner
SES is a huge global player in satellite communication. What they do is provide seamless connectivity and media distribution across entire continents. They run a massive fleet of 70 satellites that operate in both Geostationary (GEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). They have this setup so SES can get you reliable, top-performance communication even in the most remote spots. Furthermore, this multi-orbit network is super valuable for industries like mining, because they absolutely need communication that never drops. After they acquired Intelsat, SES really expanded its reach, combining a huge ground network with powerful satellite infrastructure. This is to make scalable, cloud-integrated work possible worldwide.
At the 8th Mining 4.0 summit, SES showed how its O3b MEO satellite network is pushing the next phase of smart mining. Using reliable high-speed connectivity, they make three things possible for remote mines: real-time data access, full automation, and cloud-based control. Their talk highlighted a main idea: using satellites for digitalization gets rid of traditional connectivity problems. This helps mining companies immediately achieve higher efficiency, safety, and productivity. It also sets up their operations to be fully connected and future-ready.
EOD Inc. – Presenting Partner
EOD Inc. is a consultancy based in Canada. They specialize in helping high-value startups and smaller companies (SMEs) grow their business and corporate side, specifically in the mining world. With over seven years under their belt, they act as a go-between. They connect innovators who use things like AI, machine learning, robotics, and ESG tech with the actual mining companies that need them. Moreover, EOD works across more than 12 countries. They use small, focused project teams to give clients strategies that are both affordable and customized. Their strength is checking market potential, creating strong selling points, & guiding clients toward growth that lasts and can be scaled up.
At the 8th Mining 4.0 Summit, EOD Inc. talked about how crucial data centralization and AI are for mining’s digital future. They addressed the big challenge of having vendor data scattered everywhere. They showed how fixing information systems can improve decision-making and make adopting new tech happen faster. Additionally, by focusing on collaboration and long-term partnerships, EOD proved a key idea: when innovators and operators team up, the mining industry can fully benefit from automation, intelligence, & digital transformation.
In a Nutshell
The 8th Mining 4.0 Summit was a categorical statement that the mining industry has moved beyond merely exploring digital concepts. It is now actively writing the implementation manual for Mining 4.0. The depth of the content ran from strategic AI deployment to the nitty-gritty engineering of electric fleets. This really underlined that the convergence of technology and sustainability is fully in play. Moreover, the conversations emphasized how the optimization of production and the drive toward net zero are not mutually exclusive but, in fact, rely on the same enablers – automation, data, & connectivity.
This shift in technology is unstoppable & defining. Therefore, to be sure your organization is positioned to lead and not simply react, committing now to attend such focused sustainability & technology events assures you will be at least a critical step ahead of the competition. Seems like something you are aligned with? Click now to learn more!
