Abstract
Automation is increasingly gaining attention as the global industry moves toward intelligent, unmanned approaches to perform hazardous tasks. Although the integration of autonomous technologies has revolutionized various industries for decades, the mining sector has only recently started to harness the potential of autonomous technology. Lately, the mining industry has been transforming by implementing automated systems to shape the future of mining and minimize human involvement in the process. Automated systems such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT), and data analytics have contributed immensely towards ensuring improved productivity and safety and promoting sustainable mineral industry. Despite the substantial benefits and promising potential of automation in the mining sector, its adoption faces challenges due to concerns about human–machine interaction. This paper extensively reviews the current trends, attempts, and trials in converting traditional mining machines to automated systems with no or less human involvement. It also delves into the application of AI in mining operations from the exploration phase to the processing stage. To advance the knowledge base in this domain, the study describes the method used to develop the human–machine interface (HMI) that controls and monitors the activity of a six-degrees-of-freedom robotic arm, a roof bolter machine, and the status of the automated machine. The notable findings in this study draw attention to the critical roles of humans in automated mining operations. This study shows that human operators are still relevant and must control, operate, and maintain these innovative technologies in mining operations. Thus, establishing an effective interaction between human operators and machines can promote the acceptability and implementation of autonomous technologies in mineral extraction processes.