Intense competition and limited availability have forced mining companies to extract minerals in locations that are increasingly difficult to access. Conditions in these areas make it more challenging for companies to maintain productivity while keeping workers safe.
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Remote mining operations, powered by digital telecommunications, are a viable solution for mining operators looking to meet these challenges. They also help companies increase productivity and safety at accessible mining sites. They can be just as efficient, if not more efficient, than traditional mining while taking workers out of potentially hazardous situations. Research also shows that remote operations can be more sustainable.
However, remote mining operations are not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are situations where using traditional mining techniques is more efficient and practical.
What Defines Traditional Mining?
Traditional mining operations require a high level of on-site manpower and supervision. Mining personnel work in close proximity to the physical extraction of resources, which enables them to make detailed assessments and respond quickly to issues that arise.
Compared to remote mining operations, traditional operations have a higher level of control that can help navigate problems in ways that are not currently possible with remote technology.
A high on-site presence also helps optimize on-site operations. Equipment inspections, on-site collaborations, and minor adjustments, whether technical or tactical, are easier to make when personnel are co-located.
Traditional mining also means using legacy systems that are already in place. Mining operators looking to transition toward remote operations require significant investment, particularly in automation and digital communications.
According to The Assay, gold mining company Newmont recently agreed to provide a preliminary investment of $100 million toward automation and electrification goals for its mining operations in Colorado and Australia.
What Defines Remote Mining?
Remote mining equipment uses cameras, computer vision, and sensing systems to give personnel the information and control they need to work from just about anywhere. These technologies could also be used in automated mining systems.
Remote mining operations require a dependable, high-performance digital connection. Furthermore, they require significant investments in robotics and automation.
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Companies that can invest in this infrastructure and maintain it tend to be large multinational corporations that operate multiple mining sites. This allows company personnel to oversee and control across multiple sites efficiently. However, because operators are remotely located, they are not able to perform the types of physical oversight and adjustments that on-site workers are capable of doing.
Key Differences in Remote Mining and Traditional Mining Technology
Although automation, robotics, and digital communications are used in traditional mining operations, these technologies essentially define remote mining.
Many remote mining operations today are using a private 5G connection to meet their communications demands. This telecommunications connection provides a wide coverage area, low latency, and the throughput necessary to maintain oversight and control. A 5G connection provides remote mining operations with a strategic platform for using technologies like live video, computer vision, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and communications with equipment.
Both types of mining operations use automated or semi-automated vehicles, but automation is a key differentiator for remote mining. Modern automated vehicles can identify obstacles and avoid them without human control. Automated vehicles are primarily used for hauling but can also be used for excavation and drilling.
Greater Efficiency, Safety, and Sustainability through Remote Mining
The combination of remote operations and automation can result in significantly greater efficiency. According to the Minerals Council of Australia, digital innovations have the potential to boost industry productivity between 9 percent and 23 percent. In one case study from telecommunications provider Ericsson, its 5G network allowed Newmont to realize a 50-percent increase in bulldozing capacity at its Cadia Valley site in Australia, representing a significant increase in material-moving capabilities.
Taking mining workers out of harm's way also means better safety across the industry. In 2024, mining company Nutrien was singled out by the National Safety Council in the US for increased safety through remote mining operations. In addition to eliminating injury risks due to ground falls and interactions with machines, Nutrien’s remote operations also led to a higher quality of life for mining personnel. Workers were less exposed to loud noises, poor air quality, and physically stressful working conditions. Operators reported better work-life balance due to having more energy after their shifts, compared to traditional mining shifts.
As for greater sustainability, remote mining operations can significantly reduce energy costs through automation. According to a study from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), lower fuel and maintenance requirements result in autonomous vehicles using 10 percent less fuel than traditional vehicles. Furthermore, Ericsson said its 5G network powered automation at the Boliden Aitik mine in Sweden, which led to 1 percent savings on total operating costs.
What Does the Future Hold?
The latest digital technologies are driving remote mining operations. These technologies are specifically designed to improve operational efficiency, making remote operations inherently more efficient than traditional operations.
Traditional mining operations also often incorporate some degree of automation and remote communications. Smaller mining companies tend to stick with legacy technologies because investments in new remote technologies can be prohibited. On the other hand, larger mining companies can invest in remote technology to realize greater operational efficiency.
References and Further Reading
Bull Powertrain. (Retrieved 2025 October). Remote vs. On-Site Mining Process Optimization. Bull Powertrain. https://bullpowertrain.com/remote-vs-on-site-mining-process-optimization/
Ericsson. (2021 December 2). How Smart, Sustainable Mining Is Reshaping the Industry. CSRwire. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/732421-how-smart-sustainable-mining-reshaping-industry
Ernst & Young. (2019). Future of work: The economic implications of technology and digital mining. Ernst & Young. https://minerals.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/The-Future-of-Work-The-economic-implications-of-technology-and-digital-mining-EY-Report-February-2019.pdf
National Safety Council. (2024). Green Cross for Safety Awards 2024 Finalist | Innovation: Nutrien's Tele-Remote Mining Operations Case Study. National Safety Council. https://www.nsc.org/getmedia/165179c7-0807-4505-82ee-05bd92fae671/gc24-nutrien-case-study.pdf.
Ross, I. et al. (2025 August 4). Beyond line of sight: How private 5G powers remote mining at scale. Ericsson Blog. https://www.ericsson.com/en/blog/2025/7/how-private-5g-powers-remote-mining-at-scale.
Sandell-Hay, C. (2022, January 17). Investment in Mining Automation Surging. The Assay. https://www.theassay.com/articles/feature-story/investment-in-mining-automation-surging/
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