How Robotics is Redefining TCO in Mining

Robotics in mining is becoming increasingly common. Businesses are utilising technology to increase efficiency and safety across operations. Ongoing skills gaps and increases in demand mean that the human workforce is no longer enough.

Instead, leaders are turning to robots and autonomous equipment to transform the mining industry. Advancements focus on enhancing safety across each site, reducing the risk human workers are exposed to.

The mining industry is inherently hazardous and labour intensive. Ensuring safety at every step is a priority, often relying on proactive risk management such as training and strict PPE.

However, safety strategies have recently expanded to technological advancements. Automation and robotics are becoming central to modern mining operations, placing the industry in a transformative phase.

Mining companies around the world are integrating remote-controlled machinery, autonomous equipment and robotic systems. This enhances safety, reduces risk in hazardous environments and increases operational efficiency.

Automation enhances worker safety

Chilean copper miner Codelco’s El Teniente Division utilises the Arkytas MU-2.1 robot by Kinamics. Part of its zero-exposure initiative, it operates in the Esmerelda mine sectors without ground support reinforcement.

Human entry is prohibited in these areas. Instead of waiting for reinforcement, the team uses the robot to capture images and digitally recreate the area. This protects worker safety while increasing project efficiency.

Staff can continue working rather than waiting for site clearance. Javier Valenzuela, an engineer with the El Teniente Division, notes the robot was introduced because of the risks involved.

"After a blast, the area had to be isolated for a long time, so the aim was to reduce the exposure of workers to these risks," he says.

The process, photogrammetry, transforms 22 photos into 3D models to give an accurate image of the site. The robot also extracts data including humidity, granulometry and dilution.

It helps Codelco to analyse the site using high quality data while eliminating risk.

Robotics market growth projected

Persistence Market Research estimates the global mining robotics market will be valued at US$1.7bn in 2026. It is expected to reach US$3.3bn by 2033, driven by rising demand for automation in hazardous environments.

Labour shortages and the need to increase operational efficiency also drive this growth. The autonomous haulage systems segment is anticipated to lead, resulting from widespread adoption in large-scale open-pit mines.

North America is expected to see the most adoption. The region benefits from early technology uptake, heavy digital investment and advanced infrastructure.

The mining robotics market includes autonomous haulage systems, robotic drilling equipment and underground robotic loaders. It also covers robotic crushers, inspection and surveillance robots and teleoperated mining vehicles.

Inspection robots are increasingly adopted as companies focus on risk assessment and predictive maintenance. Robotic drilling systems are used for precision and safety in underground operations.

Technology increases operational efficiency

The Reward Gold Mine site in Australia is deploying the Aramine L350D autonomous mining loader. Equipped with Epiroc's AutoNav Tele software from RTC, it is designed for narrow-vein mining to increase efficiency.

“This is more than just a machine installation,” says Owen Perrott, RCT’s East Coast Branch Manager. “We’re introducing technology that can access areas previously unreachable, in this narrow-vein mine, unlocking gold reserves left behind for decades.”

Remote operators can control the loader from a safe location, accessing tight areas without risk. In early 2026, NVIDIA and Caterpillar expanded their partnership to bring physical AI capabilities to mining operations.

This aims to optimise extraction processes and enable autonomous machinery across sites around the world. Through ongoing robotics innovations, the mining industry is becoming increasingly safer and more efficient.

This is particularly needed now as demand for critical materials rises. Increased automation allows the sector to reduce project time.

It will allow companies to operate longer hours and access more areas than ever before. As a result, the mining robotics market is seeing a major boom.