GMG Publishes Zero Entry Mining: An Exploratory White Paper

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

GMG Publishes Zero Entry Mining: An Exploratory White Paper  

Ormstown, Quebec, May 22, 2025: Global Mining Guidelines Group (GMG) has published a new white paper, Zero Entry Mining: An Exploratory White Paper, which highlights the key enablers, challenges, and opportunities of the concept. Underscoring that zero entry mining is not a new concept but a natural progression of mining innovation, the white paper serves as a roadmap to help mining companies advance toward removing personnel from mines. 

“Zero entry mining is not just about automation; it’s a complete transformation of how we approach mining,” says Gavin Yeates, GMG project co-lead and Principal, Gavin Yeates Consulting. “This white paper emphasizes that the greatest challenge in removing people from harm’s way is the mindset shift, not the technical challenge. To succeed, the industry must embrace this new mindset and commit to the journey ahead.” 

The paper highlights the business case for how a zero entry approach to mining can reduce capital intensity, reduce operating costs and improve productivity. In addition, the paper recognizes that societal changes, workforce challenges, and the increasing difficulty of accessing orebodies are also driving the need for zero entry mining. As urbanization concentrates populations in cities, attracting talent to remote mining operations has become more difficult. Meanwhile, as easily accessible ore deposits are depleted, mining companies must explore deeper, lower-grade, and more remote resources, making automation or remote operations essential for safe and efficient operations. 

“Achieving zero entry mining requires a collective effort from across the industry,” says one of the paper’s lead authors, Geoffrey Liggins, Adjunct Associate Professor – Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering, University of Western Australia. “By leveraging advancements in remote operation and automation while redefining how we think about mine design and operations, we can create increased value through more efficient and sustainable mining environments, and eliminate fatalities and injuries.” 

Next Steps: Industry Engagement and Future Work 

The publication of this white paper is just the beginning. With it, GMG is beginning work on a series of nine discussion papers that will explore critical topics such as mine design, economics, and change management. These papers will be developed in parallel to spark industry-wide dialogue, foster collaboration, and identify practical pathways to zero entry mining. 

To ensure broad industry engagement, GMG will host workshops, webinars, and interactive sessions, encouraging stakeholders to contribute their insights and expertise.  

Zero entry mining is more than just a technological shift – it’s an opportunity to redefine the industry’s future. By working together, the mining community can accelerate this transformation, improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability for generations to come. 

Read the white paper here.

About GMG
Global Mining Guidelines Group (GMG) is a network of like-minded companies driving change in the mining industry. Together, we help develop knowledge, educate, and guide the global mining industry. We monitor the pulse of the industry and develop multi-disciplinary guidelines and strategies to manage risk, enhance performance, design solutions, inform planning and decision making, and save time and money. Our members are mining companies, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), original technology manufacturers (OTMs), research organizations and consultants from around the world who recognize that innovation does not happen in silos. GMG improves communication and facilitates collaboration to foster a more sustainable and efficient future for mining. Our multi-stakeholder working groups address topics such as data and interoperability, artificial intelligence, autonomous equipment, underground communication, battery-electric equipment, and comminution efficiency in mining.