NEXGEN-SIMS · Project

Carbon-Neutral Smart Mining Systems That Cut Costs and Boost Productivity by 40%

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Imagine a mine where diesel trucks and drills are replaced by electric, connected machines that talk to each other like a smart factory underground. This project took those ideas out of the lab and tested them at real mining sites across Europe, proving that going green doesn't mean losing money — it actually makes mines run up to 40% more efficiently. They combined IoT sensors, automation, and carbon-neutral equipment to show mining companies exactly how to upgrade without betting the farm. Think of it as giving old mines a smartphone upgrade: suddenly everything is monitored, optimized, and cleaner.

By the numbers

40%

Estimated productivity increase from smart mining system deployment

Consortium partners across the project

Countries represented in the consortium

83%

Industry partner ratio in the consortium

Industry partners validating the technology

The business problem

What needed solving

Mining companies face a double squeeze: tightening carbon regulations demand cleaner operations, while global competition requires ever-higher productivity. Many mining operators fear that switching to green technologies will require massive capital investment that makes them less competitive. NEXGEN-SIMS tackled this head-on by proving that carbon-neutral, digitalized mining systems can actually increase productivity rather than sacrifice it.

The solution

What was built

The project built and demonstrated large-scale carbon-neutral mining pilot systems integrating IoT connectivity, fleet monitoring and analytics, process optimization, and automation for material handling. They also developed VR-based training modules for modern mining operations. Across 13 deliverables, the consortium produced validated technology for retrofitting existing mines with smart, clean systems.

Audience

Who needs this

Mining companies operating underground or open-pit mines looking to decarbonizeMining equipment OEMs developing next-generation electric and connected machineryIndustrial IoT companies expanding into mining and heavy industry verticalsMining consultancies advising clients on digital transformation and sustainabilityWorkforce training providers serving the mining and extractive industries

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Mining & Mineral Extraction

enterprise

Target: Mid-to-large mining operators running underground or open-pit mines

If you are a mining operator struggling with rising energy costs and carbon regulations — this project demonstrated carbon-neutral mining systems at large-scale pilot sites that achieved up to 40% productivity gains. The pilots showed how to retrofit existing fleets with IoT connectivity and automation without replacing your entire operation. This means you can meet sustainability targets while actually improving your bottom line.

Mining Equipment & OEM

enterprise

Target: Companies manufacturing mining vehicles, drills, or fleet management systems

If you are a mining equipment manufacturer looking to future-proof your product line — this project developed and tested smart connectivity solutions for mining fleets, including monitoring, analytics, and process control. Led by Epiroc, one of the world's largest mining equipment makers, the consortium validated that digitalized carbon-neutral equipment is not just viable but commercially attractive. You could license or integrate these proven solutions into your own product offerings.

Industrial IoT & Automation

mid-size

Target: Companies providing IoT platforms, digital twins, or automation solutions for heavy industry

If you are an industrial IoT provider looking to expand into mining — this project proved that cost-efficient connectivity enables better monitoring, optimization, and automation of material handling in mines. With 15 industry partners across 6 countries validating the approach, there is a ready market waiting. The VR-based training modules developed also open opportunities for companies offering immersive training solutions.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to implement these carbon-neutral mining systems?

The project does not publish specific implementation costs. However, the entire point of NEXGEN-SIMS was to demonstrate that upgrading to carbon-neutral systems is cost-efficient and does not make European mining less competitive. The consortium specifically targeted lowering investment risk for retrofitting and replacing existing equipment.

Has this been tested at industrial scale?

Yes. NEXGEN-SIMS was an Innovation Action specifically designed for large-scale pilot demonstrations at real mining sites. The consortium included 15 industry partners including Epiroc, a global mining equipment leader. The project ran pilots across multiple European mining operations to validate the technology under real conditions.

What about intellectual property and licensing?

The project was coordinated by Epiroc Rock Drills AB, a major commercial equipment manufacturer. With 83% industry partners in the consortium, IP arrangements are likely structured for commercial exploitation. Specific licensing terms would need to be discussed with the consortium partners directly.

How does this help meet carbon regulations?

NEXGEN-SIMS directly addresses carbon neutrality in mining operations by replacing conventional systems with electric and connected alternatives. The project demonstrated that carbon-neutral mining technologies can be introduced while simultaneously increasing productivity by up to 40%, making regulatory compliance a business advantage rather than a cost burden.

How long does implementation take?

The project ran for 3 years (2021-2024) to develop and pilot the full system. Based on available project data, the approach focuses on retrofitting and upgrading existing equipment rather than building from scratch, which suggests implementation could be phased and adapted to existing operations.

Can this integrate with our existing mining fleet?

Yes, integration with existing infrastructure was a core design goal. NEXGEN-SIMS specifically focused on retrofitting and upgrading existing mining investments with IoT connectivity and automation, rather than requiring complete replacement. The cost-efficient connectivity approach was designed to work with current material handling and fleet operations.

Is training available for our workforce?

The project developed modern mining education modules based on VR (virtual reality) technology. These training tools were specifically designed to prepare mining workforces for digitalized, automated operations. Based on available project data, these VR modules cover the new systems and operational procedures.

Consortium

Who built it

This is a heavily industry-driven consortium with 15 out of 18 partners (83%) coming from industry — one of the highest ratios you will see in EU research projects. It is led by Epiroc Rock Drills AB, a Swedish multinational and one of the world's leading mining equipment manufacturers, which signals serious commercial intent. The consortium spans 6 countries (Australia, Germany, Finland, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden), covering key European mining markets plus Australia. With only 2 universities and just 1 SME, this project was clearly designed by and for major mining industry players who want to bring these technologies to market, not just publish papers about them.

EPIROC ROCK DRILLS ABCoordinator · SE
LULEA TEKNISKA UNIVERSITETparticipant · SE
ERICSSON GMBHthirdparty · DE
COMBITECH ABparticipant · SE
AGNICO-EAGLE FINLAND OYparticipant · FI
KGHM CUPRUM SPOLKA Z OGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA - CENTRUM BADAWCZO- ROZWOJOWEparticipant · PL
RHEINISCH-WESTFAELISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE AACHENparticipant · DE
K+S MINERALS AND AGRICULTURE GMBHparticipant · DE
MOBILARIS MCE ABparticipant · SE
KGHM POLSKA MIEDZ SAparticipant · PL
BOLIDEN MINERAL ABparticipant · SE
ERICSSON ABparticipant · SE
AF DIGITAL SOLUTIONS ABparticipant · SE
LTU BUSINESS ABparticipant · SE

How to reach the team

Epiroc Rock Drills AB is a publicly listed company (Sweden) — their innovation and sustainability teams are reachable through corporate channels or LinkedIn.

Order a report on this consortium See EPIROC ROCK DRILLS AB profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want an introduction to the NEXGEN-SIMS team or a detailed brief on how their pilot results could apply to your operation? Contact SciTransfer — we connect businesses with EU research teams.

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