The Dig_IT project, a collaborative research initiative funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program, recently concluded showcasing its outcomes at the Mining and Minerals Hall (MMH) in Seville. Over four and a half years, this project brought together a multidisciplinary consortium of academic, research, and industry leaders, all dedicated to driving digital innovation in mining for improved safety, efficiency, and sustainability. As a consortium partner, LIBRA AI contributed a robust Business Intelligence and Decision Support System (BI/DSS)—a web-based platform empowering mining operators across five European sites with real-time data insights, alerting mechanisms, and analytical tools tailored to the sector's unique operational demands.
LIBRA AI’s Active Role and Impact at the Final Event
The MMH. Mining and Minerals Hall 2024, held from 15 to 17 October 2024, in Seville, served as the closing stage for the Dig_IT project, where partners shared project results through live demonstrations and a dedicated workshop. Representing LIBRA AI, Data Engineer and Technical Project Manager Zisis Flokas demonstrated the functionalities of the BI/DSS system in live sessions at the Dig_IT stand.
During these demonstrations, Zisis engaged attendees in discussions on how the BI/DSS integrates diverse data sources, provides customizable dashboards and delivers real-time alerts to support informed decision-making across mining operations.
In addition, his demo presentation at the Dig_IT Final Workshop on October 16 showcased the system’s impact, particularly its ability to provide operational insights specific to each role within mining teams. The workshop attracted over 40 stakeholders, including project partners, industry professionals, and advisors, who gathered to celebrate the project’s accomplishments and explore future applications. Roundtable discussions with representatives from similar European projects underscored the critical role of digitalization, safety, and environmental responsibility in mining.
Decision Support System (BI/DSS) demo presentation during the Dig_IT final workshop in Seville.
The project review on October 17 with the European Commission’s Project Officer and designated industry experts as reviewers further validated the BI/DSS system's value and potential, positioning it as a leading solution for data-driven, insightful and sustainable mining practices and operations.
Business Intelligence and Decision Support System (BI/DSS)
LIBRA AI’s BI/DSS was designed with the specific needs of mining operators in mind. This platform supports users at multiple organizational levels—from site operators to senior management—with vital tools for operational intelligence and safety management. Key features of the BI/DSS include:
Integrated Business Intelligence Capabilities:
- Data Aggregation and Visualization: The BI/DSS consolidates real-time and historical data from diverse sources, offering insights into productivity, environmental impact, asset management, and safety compliance.
- Customizable, Interactive Dashboards: Designed to meet the needs of different user roles, the interactive dashboards provide tailored, actionable information that enhances data-driven decision-making at every level of the organization.
Real-Time Safety Alerts and Early Warning System:
- Proactive Risk Management: By continuously analyzing streaming data, the alerting mechanism of the BI/DSS detects potential safety hazards, equipment failures and environmental risks, delivering alert notifications back to the DSS for visual analysis and the Smart Garment device.
Collaborative Success Through Research and Technology Integration
The Dig_IT project’s success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of leading academic, research, and industry partners. Key contributors, including Schneider Electric, CORE, ITAINNOVA, ICCS, SINTEF, Brunel, and SUBTERRA, each brought specialized technologies seamlessly integrated into the project’s IoT-enabled BI platform. LIBRA AI’s BI/DSS system served as the central interface, consolidating data and outputs from various sources and tools ranging from IoT devices (such as Smart Garment for personnel safety), ML-based predictive tools (such as Predictive Operations and Maintenance, Early Hazard Warning, Smart Scheduling tool for mining process optimization) and real-time Digital Twins for various domains (such as Fluid Dynamics, Geotechnical issues and Assets).
Long-Term Impact of the BI/DSS on Sustainable Mining
As mining increasingly embraces digital solutions, LIBRA AI’s BI/DSS stands out as an essential tool for supporting safe and sustainable operations. The BI/DSS enables mining operators to optimize productivity while prioritizing environmental responsibility and employee safety by providing comprehensive insights, predictive analytics, and proactive alerts. Designed to meet the unique demands of the mining industry, this BI system exemplifies LIBRA AI’s commitment to responsible, accessible data solutions that address complex industry needs—empowering sectors like mining to make informed, impactful decisions for a sustainable future.
Conclusion
The successful completion of the Dig_IT EU-funded project represents a significant achievement in addressing the complex needs of a critical industry for the European continent. LIBRA AI is proud to have contributed to this ambitious initiative, delivering a BI/DSS system that empowers mining operators with proactive, data-driven decision-making capabilities. Looking ahead, LIBRA AI is dedicated to advancing specialized, impactful solutions that drive meaningful change and set new benchmarks for operational excellence across industries.