A digital twin is a virtual model that mirrors a real physical asset or process. It’s built using data gathered from sensors and monitoring devices, which capture the asset’s actual conditions and performance. This data is then used to develop an AI-driven model capable of simulating or predicting the asset’s real-time behavior(Saes, 2024.).
This technology is essential for future-proofing sustainable operations:
Environmental Benefits
Digital twins let mining companies simulate equipment, processes, or entire sites, enabling proactive control of water, energy, waste, and emissions. Continuous monitoring helps identify inefficiencies, lower resource use, and reduce tailings and hazardous waste(Mining Digital Twin: 7 Key Advances for 2025, n.d.).
Resource Optimization
Digital twins enhance mine design and operations by running predictive simulations that improve ore recovery and reduce waste. They help lower energy use and costs by testing optimal strategies, while AI-driven insights support better real-time decisions and smarter use of renewable or low-carbon technologies (Mining Digital Twin, n.d.).
ESG and Regulatory Compliance
Digital twins improve transparency in ESG reporting by providing accurate data and enabling scenario-based compliance forecasting. This helps mining companies quickly adapt to evolving regulations, stakeholder expectations, and environmental and community requirements(Cranford, 2023).
Enhanced Safety and Remote Operations
Digital twins improve safety and sustainability by enabling remote troubleshooting, virtual training, and monitoring of autonomous equipment. These capabilities reduce onsite exposure, lower operational risks, and cut the carbon footprint linked to travel and traditional field activities.
In summary, digital twins enable real-time emissions monitoring, optimize energy and water use throughout the mine life cycle, and support predictive maintenance to reduce downtime and resource waste. They also allow scenario planning for post-mining land rehabilitation and improve the tracking and demonstration of responsible resource extraction.
How do Digital Twins support sustainable practices by optimizing resource use and predicting environmental risk before it happens? Share your insights!
Reference:
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Cranford, R. (2023). Conceptual application of digital twins to meet ESG targets in the mining industry. Frontiers in Industrial Engineering, 1. https://doi.org/10.3389/fieng.2023.1223989
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Mining Digital Twin: 7 Key Advances for 2025. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2025, from https://farmonaut.com/mining/mining-digital-twin-7-key-advances-for-2025
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Saes, C. (n.d.). Digital Twins For Mining Industries: A Transformative Technology. Forbes. Retrieved November 14, 2025, from https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/02/21/digital-twins-for-mining-industries-a-transformative-technology/
