Technological strategies for intelligent mining subject to multifield couplings in deep metal mines toward 2035

Deep mining is an inevitable trend in the exploitation of metal resources owing to their increasing demand. The multifield coupling environment for deep mining, which includes a high in situ stress, high temperature, high hydraulic pressure, and strong disturbances from excavations, pose considerable challenges to mining safety and efficiency. Intelligent or smart mining is a key to revolutionizing the mining industry. Therefore, for promoting the intelligent transformation and upgrading of the mining industry, the study of intelligent mining technologies for deep mines has a considerable strategic significance. Based on the strategic background of mining deep resources, this study investigated future technological strategies for exploiting deep metal resources toward 2035. Global technological trends on deep intelligent mining subject to multifield couplings were analyzed using technological forecasting methods. Hot research topics and advanced technologies related to intelligent deep mining subject to multifield couplings were obtained. Based on experts’ opinions and analyses, key fundamental theories and techniques for intelligent deep mining toward 2035 were proposed. There are three promising mining methods: unconventional deep mining methods without blasting, continuous pastes backfill mining in deep mines, integration of mining, mineral beneficiation and backfill. Advanced technologies can be divided into three types: (1) smart perception of the deep mining environment, (2) intelligent working during deep mining, and (3) intelligent control of mining systems. Type 1 includes intelligent in situ stress measurements, the intelligent identification of rock mass structures, microseismic monitoring and early warning of disasters, intelligent underground space exploration, and intelligent perception of man–machine systems. Type 2 includes intelligent full-section well excavation equipment, intelligent support technology and equipment, intelligent continuous mining technology and equipment, unmanned intelligent mining equipment, and intelligent lifting technology and equipment. Type 3 includes the intelligent control of the filling system, intelligent control of the microclimate in tunnels, flexible data communication on working faces, intelligent scheduling for the entire life cycle of deep mining, intelligent scheduling of the entire mining process, integrated platform for mining management, and big data analysis for deep mining. Technological strategies, key tasks, and a technical roadmap for 2035 were proposed for intelligent deep mining subject to multifield couplings in China, including development targets and demands, fundamental research areas, and key technologies and equipment. Technological development procedures to transform deep mining technologies and improve mining intelligence were presented. Some suggestions were provided in terms of policies, industries, technologies, and talent for intelligent deep mining.