PLING – Use Case Site Visits, March 16–19
#PLING-Project — Platform-based integration and use of mining data! Following a get-together dinner in Freiberg on 16 March, the consortium spent three days visiting all
06.05.2026
Collaborative Research Project PLING
Our goal is to develop a sensor-based platform that makes raw material extraction more efficient, more sustainable and more environmentally friendly.
5
Consortium partners
3
Use cases
9
Work packages
36
Months duration
The Project
Integration and further development of multi-sensor measurement systems for the continuous capture of geological, process-related and environmentally relevant data in underground mining.
Development of a central data platform for capturing, storing and processing heterogeneous sensor data from various mining sites and robotic systems. As a common foundation for resource modelling, process optimisation and environmental monitoring.
Data-driven updating of resource models and support of decision processes in mine planning and environmental monitoring for safe and sustainable raw material extraction.
Technology
Use Cases
PLING is being trialled at three real mining sites in Germany – each with different geological and process-engineering challenges.
Use Case 01
Gypsum mining & sensors
Demonstration of the developed sensor-based technologies in an underground anhydrite mine, with a focus on boundary-layer detection, resource modelling and process integration.
Use Case 02
Potash mining & monitoring
Focus on optimising valuable-mineral recovery in a potash deposit. Solutions for the exploration of K₂O and accompanying minerals at the working face using hyperspectral technology and integration into a short-term grade model.
Use Case 03
Lithium & exploration
Exploration of the critical raw material lithium through multi-sensor capture of geological, mineralogical and geotechnical properties in an exploration drift.
Consortium partners
A strong consortium of industry and research bundles expertise for intelligent mining systems.
FUNDING NOTICE
The PLING project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) within the “EGARoh” funding programme under grant no. 033R433A.
About the funding scheme: “New approaches to the exploration, extraction and processing of primary raw materials in the context of national and European cooperation” within the Strategy for Research for Sustainability (FONA).
NEWS
#PLING-Project — Platform-based integration and use of mining data! Following a get-together dinner in Freiberg on 16 March, the consortium spent three days visiting all
On 12 January 2026, the administrative kick-off meeting of the BMFTR collaborative project PLING took place. The aim of the project is to build a
The EU’s dependency on imported raw materials is growing. Projects such as PLING show how intelligent sensor technology can make European mining competitive.
Get in touch with us for further information about the project, cooperation opportunities or press enquiries.