Seminar on the topic: Sustainable Mining in the Digital Era

At 3:00 p.m., October 16, 2025, IAST organized at the Office of IAST in Hanoi and Meeting Room C - Ton Duc Thang University with detailed content as follows:

1/ Prof. Carsten Drebenstedt reported on the topic "Best practice of environmental protection in German Mining Industry"
Abstract:

Germany’s mining industry has progressively evolved to integrate rigorous environmental protection practices, establishing benchmarks of global reference. A prominent feature is the adoption of integrated Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and monitoring throughout all stages of continuous mining activities—exploration, operation, and closure—mandated by the Federal Mining Act and related regulations. Public participation and stakeholder consultation are embedded within project approval processes to ensure transparency and legitimacy. In the field of waste management, Germany applies the best available techniques (BAT) together with life-cycle assessment frameworks to minimize risks associated with tailings, waste rock, and effluents, fully aligned with the EU Extractive Waste Directive. Financial assurance mechanisms are in place, obligating mining operators to take full responsibility for long-term reclamation. Germany places strong emphasis on progressive mine rehabilitation and landscape reintegration. The LMBV (Lausitzer und Mitteldeutsche Bergbau-Verwaltungsgesellschaft), responsible for former mining regions, leads large-scale reclamation programs, transforming degraded mine sites into lakes, forests, agricultural land, or mixed ecosystems. Slope stabilization, water management, and habitat reconstruction are scientifically implemented to mitigate post-mining risks. Moreover, strict emission control is enforced through air quality standards to regulate dust, sulfur, and nitrogen emissions from mining operations. Finally, public–private partnerships and multi-stakeholder governance models foster cooperation in environmental protection, emergency preparedness, and sustainable land-use planning. Collectively, these Germany’s firm practices commitment to responsible resource extraction, ensuring a balance reflect between economic development, ecological integrity, social acceptance, and long-term land stewardship. These will approaches be presented in detail in Prof. Drebenstedt's report.

2/ Prof. Changwoo Lee reported on the topic Smart Mining – Focused on Productivity & Safety.
Abstract:

The mining industry is entering a new era characterized by the integration of digital technologies, automation, and data-driven decision-making. Smart mining, as a transformative paradigm, emphasizes not only productivity improvement but also the enhancement of safety across all stages of mineral resource development. This report highlights the key components of smart mining, including real-time monitoring systems, sensor networks, automated equipment, and artificial intelligence–based predictive models. These technologies enable precise control of drilling, blasting, hauling, and processing, thereby reducing downtime, energy consumption, and operational costs while maximizing output. Equally critical is the dimension of safety. Smart mining leverages Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, wearable devices, and geospatial tools to continuously assess ground stability, air quality, and equipment conditions. Predictive analytics facilitates early warnings of potential hazards such as rock falls, gas emissions, or machinery failures, significantly reducing accident risks. Remote-controlled and autonomous equipment further minimize human exposure to dangerous environments. By integrating digital twins, cloud computing, and big data analytics, smart mining fosters a proactive culture of safety and efficiency. The Korean experience demonstrates how academia, industry, and government collaboration can accelerate smart mining adoption. This approach positions mining as a resilient, safe, and sustainable industry in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.