The mining industry is known for dangerous working conditions, such as cave-ins, equipment accidents, and exposure to toxic gases. As global demand for minerals grows, thanks to renewable energy, electric vehicles, and advanced technologies, the industry needs to improve safety while still being productive. This raises an important question: Are mining accidents becoming less frequent?
The answer depends on new safety regulations, technology advancements, and ongoing challenges in risky areas and mine types. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), self-driving machinery, and real-time monitoring systems are changing safety practices. However, differences in how these technologies are used and the ongoing dangers in small-scale mining highlight the issue's complexity.
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Are Mining Incidents Decreasing?
Data on mining safety shows mixed results. Fatalities have decreased in large, regulated operations due to stricter rules and better technology. However, risks are still high in artisanal mining and areas with less oversight.
The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) reported nine deaths from vehicle-related accidents in 2022, which is down from previous years. Still, these incidents are the leading cause of deaths in industrial mining.
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), which employs over 40 million people worldwide, has high accident rates due to informal practices and a lack of safety measures.1,2
Regional and Operational Disparities in Mining Incidents
- Industrialized nations: Countries like Australia and Canada have significantly improved mine safety. In 2023, Australia’s mining fatality rate dropped to 0.8 per 100,000 workers. This improvement is due to increased automation and strict adherence to the ICMM’s “Zero Harm” framework.1
- Emerging economies: Cobalt and copper mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Peru often experience violent clashes, protests, and unsafe working conditions. From 2021 to 2023, there were 334 incidents of violence or unrest linked to transition mineral mining in top-producing countries, with 90% of these incidents happening in emerging economies.2
- Mine type: Underground coal mines are riskier than open-pit lithium or copper mines because of dangers like gas explosions and unstable structures. However, open-pit mines also have risks, such as vehicle collisions. The ICMM plans to eliminate these collisions by 2025 using collision avoidance systems.1
Ongoing Safety Challenges in Mining
Deep-earth mining is essential for accessing critical minerals like nickel and lithium. However, this type of mining comes with geotechnical risks such as rock bursts. The demand for “transition minerals” used in clean energy technologies has pushed mining companies to increase production. This creates pressure to produce more without sacrificing safety. Balancing these needs is difficult, especially in areas with weak regulations.2,3
What Technologies are Reducing Mining Hazards?
Technological advancements are improving safety in mining. Key technologies include AI, automation, and IoT.
AI and machine learning
AI-driven predictive analytics are transforming risk management in mining.
Machine learning (ML) algorithms analyze geological data, equipment performance, and environmental conditions to forecast potential hazards. For example, Rio Tinto uses AI to forecast equipment failures, which cuts unplanned downtime by 20% and prevents accidents.
Similarly, Matrix Design Group’s OmniPro Vision AI uses computer vision to spot workers in dangerous areas, even in low visibility, which lowers collision risks.1,4
IoT and real-time monitoring
Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled sensors continuously monitor air quality, ground stability, and equipment health. In Chile’s copper mines, wireless gas detectors alert workers to toxic fumes. Geotechnical sensors monitor rock movements to prevent collapses. These systems connect to centralized dashboards for real-time decision-making.4,5
Autonomous equipment
Autonomous haul trucks, drills, and loaders reduce human exposure to dangerous situations.
Caterpillar’s autonomous fleet operates 24/7 in Western Australia’s iron ore mines with zero fatigue-related incidents, increasing productivity by 30%. By 2026, the market for autonomous mining equipment is expected to double to $6.2 billion, showing widespread use.4,6
Drones and robotics
Drones conduct aerial surveys of unstable terrain, while robots inspect confined spaces and handle explosives.
BHP uses drones with light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology to map high-risk areas in its Chilean copper mines, reducing the need for manual inspections.5
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Digital twins and simulation software
Digital twins are virtual copies of mining sites that let engineers simulate scenarios and improve safety plans. Hexagon’s HxGN MinePlan software creates 3D models of ore bodies and equipment layouts, helping identify potential hazards or bottlenecks before operations start.1
Commercial Applications and Industry Examples
Leading companies are partnering with tech firms to implement solutions.
Hexagon Mining
Hexagon’s HxGN MineProtect system helps prevent collisions by using 360-degree cameras and AI to eliminate blind spots. This technology is installed on 40,000 vehicles globally. At Minera San Cristóbal in Bolivia, this system reduced near-miss incidents by 60% in just one year.1
Rio Tinto
The company’s “Mine of the Future” initiative integrates AI, autonomous trucks, and a centralized operations center in Perth, remotely managing mines 1500 km away. This approach has cut safety incidents by 50% since 2020.4,5
Komatsu and Cummins Inc.
Komatsu is teaming up with Cummins Inc. to develop zero-emission haul trucks. This project aims to reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality in underground mines.7
Remaining Barriers and Future Outlook of Mining Incidents
Despite progress in technology and sustainability, the mining industry continues to face several persistent challenges that affect its growth, workforce preparedness, and ability to meet regulatory requirements across global operations.
- Cost and infrastructure: Small-scale operators often lack capital for advanced technologies. Even larger companies struggle with return on investment for transitioning to autonomous fleets, which can cost over $100 million upfront.5
- Workforce training: Automation requires new skills, such as managing AI systems and maintaining electric vehicles. The ICMM’s workforce development programs aim to upskill 7.5 million workers by 2025, but progress is uneven.4
- Regulatory fragmentation: Inconsistent safety standards across countries complicate global operations. The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) imposes strict environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements, while emerging economies prioritize production over compliance.8,9
Future Trends in Mining’s Safety Landscape
The mining sector’s safety landscape will increasingly rely on 5G networks and edge computing, enabling real-time data transmission from IoT sensors and autonomous systems—even in the most remote locations.
At the same time, ESG imperatives are driving investments in technologies that lower emissions and improve worker protections, with investors favoring companies that integrate safety metrics into their operational dashboards.5,9
AI-powered governance tools, including risk-prediction algorithms and digital compliance platforms, are helping close regulatory gaps, especially in regions with fragmented oversight.
Meanwhile, the growth of hybrid human-machine workflows—where AI supports decision-making and autonomous fleets take on hazardous tasks—is reshaping traditional mining roles and accelerating the industry’s move toward near-zero incident operations.1
Conclusion
Mining incidents are decreasing in well-regulated and technology-driven operations. However, there are still significant risks in artisanal sectors and areas with weak governance.
Technologies such as AI and automated equipment are crucial for reaching the goal of "Zero Harm," but their advantages are not shared equally.
As the industry faces rising demand for transition minerals, it is important to balance productivity and safety. This will require global cooperation, fair distribution of resources, and ongoing innovation.
References and Further Reading
- Technology’s role in eliminating vehicle-related deaths in mining. (2024). Mine Australia. https://mine.nridigital.com/mine_australia_feb24/collision-avoidance-mining
- Critical mineral mines tied to 111 violent incidents and protests on average a year. (2024). Global Witness. https://globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/transition-minerals/critical-mineral-mines-tied-to-111-violent-incidents-and-protests-on-average-a-year/
- The skyrocketing demand for minerals will require new technologies. (2025). The Economist. https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/02/26/the-skyrocketing-demand-for-minerals-will-require-new-technologies
- Mining Industry Trends 2025: Smarter, Safer, and More Sustainable. CMiC: Construction Management Software | CMiC. https://cmicglobal.com/resources/article/new-developments-in-the-mining-industry-in-2025
- Top 10 mining and metals risks in 2025. EY - Deutschland | Shape the future with confidence. https://www.ey.com/en_us/insights/energy-resources/risks-opportunities
- Automatic Driving System In Mining Area Market. (2025). PW Consulting. https://pmarketresearch.com/it/automatic-driving-system-in-mining-area-market/
- Cummins, Komatsu cooperating on zero-emissions haul trucks. Power Progress. https://www.powerprogress.com/news/cummins-komatsu-cooperating-on-zeroemissions-haul-trucks/8021726.article
- Ten global issues to shape mining and metals markets in 2025. (2025). Control Risks | Global Risk Consultancy. https://www.controlrisks.com/our-thinking/insights/ten-global-issues-to-shape-mining-and-metals-markets-in-2025
- Mining & metals 2025: Poised on the chessboard of geopolitics | White & Case LLP. (2025). White & Case LLP International Law Firm, Global Law Practice. https://www.whitecase.com/insight-our-thinking/mining-metals-2025-poised-chessboard-geopolitics
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