Smart Mining Market Size and Share
Smart Mining Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The smart mining market size stands at USD 16.87 billion in 2025 and is forecast to advance to USD 28.65 billion by 2030, reflecting an 11.2% CAGR. Rapid digitalization is reshaping mine planning, fleet management and mineral processing as operators confront declining ore grades, stricter safety mandates and decarbonization targets. Autonomous haulage, IoT-enabled predictive maintenance, and private 5G networks deliver continuous productivity gains while lowering operating risk. Growing demand for lithium, nickel and rare earths bolsters investment in connected equipment that maximizes recovery rates. Partnerships between global automation vendors and niche mining-tech specialists foster integrated platforms that unify data from pit to port.
Key Report Takeaways
- By solution, smart asset management led with 31.5% revenue share in 2024, while autonomous haulage and drilling is projected to expand at 11.5% CAGR through 2030.
- By service type, system integration captured 58.0% revenue share in 2024; managed services is forecast to grow at 12.2% CAGR to 2030.
- By mining type, surface mining accounted for 65.5% of the smart mining market share in 2024, whereas underground mining is projected to advance at 12.5% CAGR through 2030.
- By geography, Asia-Pacific commanded 38.3% revenue share in 2024 and is expected to post a 12.0% CAGR to 2030.
Global Smart Mining Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
High CAPEX and ROI uncertainty | -1.8% | Global, particularly affecting smaller operators | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Legacy-system integration gaps | -1.3% | North America and EU with aging infrastructure | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Cyber-security vulnerabilities | -1.1% | Global, with higher risk in connected operations | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Skilled digital-talent shortage | -0.9% | Global, acute in developed mining regions | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
Critical-mineral demand surge
Global electrification drives unprecedented demand for lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, with the International Energy Agency projecting lithium demand to rise more than fortyfold by 2040[1]International Energy Agency, “The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions,” iea.org. Miners expedite expansion projects and exploration campaigns that depend on connected drilling rigs and cloud-based geological models to locate higher-grade deposits. Governments in Australia, Canada, and the United States allocate incentives that lower the cost of automating extraction and concentrate production within secure supply chains. Digital twins help simulate processing plants that adjust reagent dosage and energy input in real time, cutting costs while improving recovery. As buyers sign multi-year offtake agreements, operators treat smart-equipment roll-outs as strategic investments rather than discretionary spending.
Autonomous haulage adoption
Komatsu’s FrontRunner trucks have moved more than 2 billion tons of material since launch, proving consistent 24/7 availability in iron ore, copper, and coal projects. Caterpillar extended the technology to mid-range 777 trucks at Luck Stone’s Virginia quarry during 2024, demonstrating applicability beyond mega-pit operations. Rio Tinto eliminated human exposure to high-traffic zones at its Pilbara mines, while Vale committed to fully autonomous fleets at Brucutu, validating safety and cost benefits. Transition from Wi-Fi to private LTE or 5G resolves latency and coverage gaps that once limited autonomous haulage in deep pits or mountainous terrains. Suppliers now bundle fleet management software with on-board perception sensors, accelerating adoption across both developed and developing regions.
IoT-AI predictive maintenance
Anglo American cut unplanned downtime by up to 75% and extended component life through machine-learning algorithms that analyze vibration, temperature and lubricant data. Vale boosted conveyor throughput 30% by pairing IoT sensors with analytics that schedule maintenance only when failure probability rises beyond threshold levels. Digital twins replicate crushers, mills and tailings pipelines, allowing engineers to test control strategies without halting production. BHP reduced water and energy use at Escondida after AI models optimized pump speeds and reagent dosing. The economic case strengthens as average downtime costs across leading miners approach USD 1.4 trillion annually; predictive systems that halve stoppages unlock compelling returns.
Private 5G roll-outs
Newmont’s Cadia mine raised dozing capacity 50% after adopting Ericsson Private 5G that extends coverage from 100 m to 3,000 m without line-of-sight repeaters. Vodafone Spain began installing 5G at the Muga potash project, illustrating European uptake. Nokia and Vale created a cognitive monitoring network that merges production KPIs with connectivity metrics, automating bandwidth allocation for mission-critical tasks. Superior uplink speeds support high-definition video feeds for remote drilling control and autonomous haulage in real time. Early deployments demonstrate marked gains in asset utilization, driving broader investment across gold, copper, and battery-metal operations.
Restraints Impact Analysis
Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
High CAPEX and ROI uncertainty | -1.8% | Global, particularly affecting smaller operators | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Legacy-system integration gaps | -1.3% | North America and EU with aging infrastructure | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Cyber-security vulnerabilities | -1.1% | Global, with higher risk in connected operations | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Skilled digital-talent shortage | -0.9% | Global, acute in developed mining regions | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
High CAPEX and ROI uncertainty
Total automation projects involve multi-year outlays for sensors, software, communications, and change management that smaller firms struggle to finance. Weak investment appetite in 2024, despite strong battery-metal demand, reveals caution as executives weigh competing priorities. Benefits often span mining, processing and logistics silos, complicating net-present-value calculations. Analysts estimate the sector needs USD 5.4 trillion by 2030 to satisfy mineral demand, magnifying the importance of phased roll-outs that prove payback before full-site deployment.
Legacy-system integration gaps
Many mines still run equipment commissioned before 2000 that lacks digital I/O and modern control protocols, forcing expensive retrofits. In North America and Europe, compliance with ISO 27001 and IEC 62443 remains limited, exposing converged IT-OT networks to cyber threats. Fragmented vendor ecosystems create data silos that hinder analytics, prompting miners to hire system integrators that customize middleware. Workforce retraining adds downtime and cultural resistance, delaying benefits. Supply shortages of ruggedized edge hardware further slow brownfield upgrades, especially for underground conveyor and hoisting systems.
Segment Analysis
By Solution: Asset management anchors early adoption
Smart asset management held a commanding 31.5% share of the smart mining market in 2024 as operators prioritized uptime and cost control before expanding to full autonomy. The segment leverages sensor fusion, AI diagnostics, and lifecycle dashboards that drive quick savings with moderate investment. Many firms integrate lubrication-monitoring cartridges and vibration nodes on haul trucks, mills, and crushers within six-month pilots, building confidence for larger projects. Autonomous haulage and drilling ranks as the fastest-growing solution with an 11.5% CAGR through 2030, signalling a shift toward crewless operations once foundational telemetry is in place. Data management and analytics platforms unify information from fleets, plants, and environmental sensors, allowing cross-functional teams to turn raw data into actionable insights that boost recovery rates and lower emissions. Safety and security systems benefit from tightening regulations that require continuous personnel tracking and geofencing. Monitoring and visualization dashboards complete closed-loop control by displaying predictive alerts alongside production KPIs. Other emerging tools, from blockchain traceability to ore-sorting digital twins, round out a diverse portfolio that addresses mine-specific pain points.
Smart asset management also acts as the entry point for sustainability-linked financing because lenders can verify equipment efficiency gains against environmental covenants. As plant managers witness tangible reductions in unplanned downtime, board committees approve wider deployment of autonomous drill rigs, bucket-wheel excavators, and remote-operated LHDs. The smart mining market size attributed to autonomous haulage solutions is forecast to expand 4.7 times between 2025 and 2030, driven by falling sensor costs and robust 5G coverage. Early adopters publicize benchmark cycle-time improvements, spurring competitors to invest in upgrade programs. Platform vendors rewrite service-level agreements around guaranteed availability, introducing outcome-based pricing that aligns technology spending with production results.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Service Type: Integration complexity fuels demand
System integration generated 58.0% of service revenue in 2024 as miners grapple with connecting proprietary fleet-management software to legacy PLCs, historian databases, and ERP suites. Large automation vendors bundle architecture audits, fiber-optic design, and cybersecurity hardening into turnkey programs that de-risk modernization. Managed services, forecast to grow at a 12.2% CAGR, appeal to firms that prefer predictable operating budgets over capital spikes for technology expertise. Providers run remote operations centers that monitor sensor health, patch vulnerabilities, and push analytics updates overnight, lowering the burden on site staff. Engineering and maintenance services remain essential for validating sensor placement, calibrating LIDAR units, and repairing edge-compute enclosures exposed to vibration and dust.
Consulting firms lead digital-maturity assessments that benchmark sites against industry peers and prioritize quick wins. Training divisions upskill electricians and mechanics into data technicians who decode condition-monitoring dashboards. Growth of the mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) sector, expected to double this decade, underscores the pivot from one-off hardware sales to recurring service contracts. The smart mining market size of managed services is poised to exceed USD 4.2 billion by 2030 as subscription offerings scale globally. Vendors now guarantee parts availability and software uptime, transferring operational risk away from mine owners and reinforcing long-term partnerships.
By Mining Type: Surface operations dominate yet underground accelerates
Surface operations represented 65.5% of the smart mining market in 2024, thanks to easier connectivity provisioning, unobstructed GPS signals, and lower safety barriers. Open-pit copper and iron ore giants in Australia, Chile, and Canada routinely pilot new trucks, drills, and dozers that stream data via LTE or 5G to cloud control rooms. High-resolution aerial photogrammetry enables centimeter-accurate pit-wall monitoring, while remote-operated dozers clear debris from unstable zones. Underground sites show stronger momentum, growing at a 12.5% CAGR, as ore bodies trend deeper and more remote. Autonomous LHDs navigate complex tunnel geometries while avoiding obstacles in real time. Epiroc’s ReNAM project validates autonomous underground haulage by combining simulation, digital twins, and real-world testing.
The smart mining market for underground solutions is forecast to hit USD 9.6 billion by 2030 as miners deploy mesh Wi-Fi and fiber-to-face infrastructure. Remote drilling cabins allow operators to control multiple rigs from surface offices, improving job attractiveness and reducing turnover. Battery-electric loaders cut diesel particulate matter, aligning with stricter ventilation regulations. Surface operations remain the living laboratory for new technology that eventually migrates underground once economics align. The two segments, therefore, reinforce each other: successful pit trials de-risk underground upgrades, while underground electrification advances powertrain innovation that translates to quieter, lower-maintenance surface fleets.

By Technology: Robotics maturity meets AI expansion
Robotics and automation held 47.3% of technology revenue in 2024, anchored by autonomous haul trucks, automated drilling rigs, and robotic analytical laboratories. Proven productivity gains, such as cycle-time reductions and lower maintenance variance, justify premium capital outlays. Artificial intelligence and analytics are the fastest-growing technologies with an 11.8% CAGR through 2030, as edge-to-cloud platforms enable predictive maintenance, grade-control optimization, and energy-efficiency tuning. IoT devices form the data backbone, with low-power sensors attached to motors, belts, pumps, and structural elements. Connectivity solutions, especially private 5G, guarantee deterministic communication essential for safety-critical autonomous control.
Cloud and edge computing offer near-real-time processing for collision avoidance algorithms while archiving historical data for machine-learning model retraining. Siemens showcased industrial AI and digital-twin innovation in 2025, spotlighting frameworks that synchronize physical and virtual assets to shorten commissioning times[2]Siemens, “Digital Twin for Industrial Metaverse,” siemens.com. The smart mining market size associated with AI platforms is projected to climb to USD 6.1 billion by 2030. Vendors now bundle cybersecurity features, including firewalls, encryption, and anomaly detection, to safeguard converged IT-OT networks. The technology stack increasingly resembles an integrated ecosystem where robotics executes tasks, sensors collect data, AI analyzes patterns, and 5G ensures seamless connectivity.
Geography Analysis
Asia-Pacific maintained a 38.3% share of the smart mining market in 2024 and is set to deliver a 12.0% CAGR to 2030. China leverages its dominance in lithium, rare earth and graphite processing to justify heavy investment in autonomous haulage and AI-driven concentrators, supported by Made in China 2025 and the Belt and Road mineral verticals. Australia combines vast iron ore and gold reserves with stringent safety regulation to foster early adoption of remote-operating centers in Perth that manage fleets hundreds of kilometers away. Japan and South Korea prioritize supply-chain resilience for battery metals and fund robotics research that spills into mining applications. ASEAN nations secured USD 230 billion in 2023 FDI, with Indonesia and the Philippines drawing capital for nickel and copper projects that embed digital infrastructure from day one[3]ASEAN Secretariat, “Record FDI Inflows in 2023,” asean.org.
North America remains a technology powerhouse, hosting suppliers of sensors, analytics and industrial AI while operating large-scale open-pit copper, gold and oil-sands mines. Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy accelerates deployment of electrified haul trucks and predictive maintenance systems, positioning the country as a sustainable mining leader. The United States focuses on securing domestic lithium, nickel and rare earth projects; Nevada and Arizona host pilot autonomous drills under Department of Energy grants. Mexico expands cluster developments in Sonora and Zacatecas that integrate private LTE and modular processing lines for silver and lithium. The smart mining market size for North America is expected to cross USD 6.3 billion by 2030 on the back of federal incentives and ESG-linked financing.
Europe emphasizes responsible sourcing and circular-economy principles, accelerating digital adoption to cut emissions and improve traceability. Germany’s raw materials strategy promotes blockchain-based provenance and remote equipment monitoring for domestic potash and construction-material quarries. Scandinavia pioneers battery-electric underground fleets for iron ore and base-metal mines, backed by abundant hydropower that enhances lifecycle emissions profiles. South America witnesses a resurgence of greenfield copper investments in Chile and Peru as automakers seek stable supplies; Chile plans USD 65.71 billion in mining investment through 2032, with private 5G pivotal in remote Atacama sites. Middle East and Africa emerge as frontier regions, with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 designating mining a primary economic pillar and South Africa piloting hydrogen haulage trucks for platinum mines that integrate AI route optimization.

Competitive Landscape
The smart mining market features moderate fragmentation as industrial automation giants vie with mining-specific technology specialists. ABB, Siemens, and Caterpillar leverage global service networks and deep process know-how to secure multi-site roll-outs. Caterpillar’s November 2024 demonstration of fully autonomous 777 trucks at Luck Stone expanded its footprint beyond traditional iron ore and coal, signaling capability to address aggregates and industrial minerals[4]Caterpillar, “Autonomous 777G at Luck Stone’s Bull Run Quarry,” caterpillar.com. ABB announced a plan to spin off its Robotics division by Q2 2026 to sharpen its focus on high-growth autonomous markets, anticipating greater agility in responding to mine-site requirements. Siemens pushes digital-twin ecosystems that connect drives, motors, and PLCs in one environment, reducing commissioning time for new concentrators.
Mining-focused firms like Epiroc, Hexagon, and Sandvik tailor equipment and software to underground constraints. Epiroc’s acquisition spree in sensing and automation strengthens its underground analytics stack. Sandvik derives 69% of revenue from aftermarket parts and consumables, illustrating strategic emphasis on lifecycle services that lock in customers. Hexagon integrates mine-planning software with high-precision positioning, converting geological models directly into autonomous drill patterns. Start-ups such as KoBold Metals raised USD 537 million in 2025 to apply AI to exploration targeting, introducing competitive tension in early-stage discovery. Cybersecurity specialists emerge to secure OT networks, addressing gaps unserved by traditional IT providers.
Strategic alliances increase as vendors acknowledge that no single company can master hardware, software, and connectivity alone. Nokia partners with Vale, while Ericsson works with Newmont on 5G. IBM and SAP supply data-management layers that aggregate inputs from trucks, plants, and environmental sensors, enabling drill-to-mill optimization. Platform economics incentivize open APIs, letting third-party developers create applications for blasting, ventilation, or tailings monitoring. As contract structures evolve toward outcome-based payments, technology vendors take on greater performance risk, deepening collaborative relations yet raising barriers for new entrants.
Smart Mining Industry Leaders
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Cisco Systems Inc.
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Wenco International Mining Systems Ltd
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SAP SE
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Rockwell Automation Inc.
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Komatsu Mining Corporation
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Recent Industry Developments
- June 2025: Newmont deployed Ericsson Private 5G at its Cadia operation, lifting dozing capacity 50% and expanding coverage to 3,000 m.
- May 2025: Microsoft launched AI and adaptive cloud services designed for mining digital transformation.
- April 2025: ABB confirmed plans to list its Robotics division by Q2 2026 after the unit generated USD 2.3 billion in 2024 revenue.
- March 2025: Sandvik reported 69% revenue from parts, services and consumables while expanding AutoMine.
- January 2025: Vodafone Spain began private 5G roll-out at the Muga potash mine to boost connectivity.
- January 2025: Siemens unveiled digital-twin innovations for mining at CES 2025.
Global Smart Mining Market Report Scope
Smart mining uses information, autonomy, and technology to improve mine site safety, reduce operational costs, and increase productivity. Mining companies place a premium on increasing productivity by offering cutting-edge software solutions. It also includes remote-controlled robotic equipment for mineral and metal extraction, known as telerobotic mining, which reduces the risk to miners.
The market size for smart mining was evaluated by analyzing individual solutions offered in the study. The study also tracks market positioning and vendor revenue by analyzing the total market size. The study tracks key market parameters, underlying growth influencers, and major vendors in the industry, which support market estimations and growth rates over the forecast period. The study further analyzes the overall impact of COVID-19 on the ecosystem. The report's scope encompasses market sizing and forecast for segmentation by solution, service type, mining type, and geography. The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD billion) for all the above segments.
By Solution | Smart Control Systems | |||
Smart Asset Management | ||||
Safety and Security Systems | ||||
Data Mgmt and Analytics Software | ||||
Monitoring and Visualization | ||||
Autonomous Haulage and Drilling | ||||
Other Solutions | ||||
By Service Type | System Integration | |||
Consulting Services | ||||
Engineering and Maintenance | ||||
Managed Services | ||||
By Mining Type | Underground Mining | |||
Surface (Open-Pit) Mining | ||||
By Technology | Internet of Things (IoT) | |||
Artificial Intelligence and Analytics | ||||
Robotics and Automation | ||||
Connectivity (5G/LTE) | ||||
Cloud and Edge Computing | ||||
By Geography | North America | United States | ||
Canada | ||||
Mexico | ||||
Europe | Germany | |||
United Kingdom | ||||
France | ||||
Italy | ||||
Spain | ||||
Russia | ||||
Rest of Europe | ||||
Asia-Pacific | China | |||
Japan | ||||
India | ||||
South Korea | ||||
ASEAN | ||||
Australia and New Zealand | ||||
Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||||
South America | Brazil | |||
Argentina | ||||
Rest of South America | ||||
Middle East and Africa | Middle East | Saudi Arabia | ||
UAE | ||||
Turkey | ||||
Rest of Middle East | ||||
Africa | South Africa | |||
Nigeria | ||||
Rest of Africa |
Smart Control Systems |
Smart Asset Management |
Safety and Security Systems |
Data Mgmt and Analytics Software |
Monitoring and Visualization |
Autonomous Haulage and Drilling |
Other Solutions |
System Integration |
Consulting Services |
Engineering and Maintenance |
Managed Services |
Underground Mining |
Surface (Open-Pit) Mining |
Internet of Things (IoT) |
Artificial Intelligence and Analytics |
Robotics and Automation |
Connectivity (5G/LTE) |
Cloud and Edge Computing |
North America | United States | ||
Canada | |||
Mexico | |||
Europe | Germany | ||
United Kingdom | |||
France | |||
Italy | |||
Spain | |||
Russia | |||
Rest of Europe | |||
Asia-Pacific | China | ||
Japan | |||
India | |||
South Korea | |||
ASEAN | |||
Australia and New Zealand | |||
Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
South America | Brazil | ||
Argentina | |||
Rest of South America | |||
Middle East and Africa | Middle East | Saudi Arabia | |
UAE | |||
Turkey | |||
Rest of Middle East | |||
Africa | South Africa | ||
Nigeria | |||
Rest of Africa |
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current value of the smart mining market?
The smart mining market stands at USD 16.87 billion in 2025 and is forecast to grow at an 11.2% CAGR to USD 28.65 billion by 2030.
Which region leads smart mining adoption?
Asia-Pacific commands 38.3% revenue share, driven by Chinese critical-mineral processing and Australia’s autonomous fleet deployments, with a projected 12.0% CAGR through 2030.
What solution segment dominates spending?
Smart asset management holds 31.5% of 2024 revenue as miners focus on predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring before scaling autonomy.
How fast is autonomous haulage growing?
Autonomous haulage and drilling solutions are projected to expand at an 11.5% CAGR through 2030 on the back of proven safety and productivity gains.
Why are private 5G networks important for mines?
Private 5G delivers low-latency, wide-area coverage essential for remote control of autonomous equipment and real-time analytics, as shown by Newmont’s 50% dozing-capacity boost at Cadia.
What is the main barrier to digital adoption in mining?
High upfront capital and uncertain ROI remain the top restraint, particularly for mid-tier operators, reducing short-term investment appetite despite clear long-term benefits.