With the start of 2026, the official kick-off has been given for the collaborative research project PLING – Platform-Based Integration and Use of Mining Data.
Over the next three years, four consortium partners from industry and science will work together on a modular platform that combines state-of-the-art sensor technology with advanced data analytics – for more efficient, safer and more sustainable raw material extraction in underground mining.
The Consortium
The PLING consortium combines complementary expertise:
- Knauf contributes long-standing experience in gypsum mining and resource modelling
- RWTH Aachen (MRE + AMT) develops the sensor platform and methods for material characterisation
- Innomotics (Siemens) is responsible for data integration and system design
- TU Bergakademie Freiberg takes on real-time modelling and quality monitoring
The consortium is complemented by the associated partners Zinnwald Lithium GmbH and K+S Group, which provide additional demonstration sites.
Three sites, one system
The PLING system will be tested at three real mining sites in Germany:
- Hüttenheim (Knauf) – gypsum mining
- Werra (K+S) – potash mining
- Altenberg (Zinnwald Lithium) – lithium extraction
Funding
PLING is funded as part of the EGARoh collaborative funding programme by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) (grant no.: 033R433A). The project runs for three years (1 January 2026 – 31 December 2028).
We are looking forward to an exciting project period and will keep you informed here on a regular basis about progress, milestones and results.