External dumps of PJSC «Mikhailovsky GOK» were formed on a weak watered base which presents the least favourable conditions to ensure their stability. Refuse rock was dumped in the controlled deformation mode. This method can be applied if enough free land is available and the mining equipment makes it possible to locate the dump outside the deformation zone. However, at the present time it does not seem possible to dump the refuse material in this way.

Specific features of the Urals gold deposits at the mature stage of their development are considered in the paper. It presents principal provisions of a long-term project for time-phased implementation of lean operations at the ‘Noviy Kochkar’ Mining and Concentration Complex. A new concept of the strategy to develop gold deposit in the Southern Urals is based on unleashing the resource base potential through application of innovative geotechnologies and securing sustainable development of the company in the present-day context.

Mining and geological as well as natural and climatic features of the primary diamond-bearing deposits in Yakutia create uniquely complex conditions for the mining operations. As a rule, efficient and most complete development of such deposits is only possible with application of innovative technologies. New technologies and design solutions are required to ensure safety and acceptable operating costs of further development of some deposits all the way down to the explored depths. Development of new geotechnologies for the pit reserves mining is becoming a priority task in academic research.

The paper studies various designs of the quality management chain for ore delivery to the processing plant in surface mining operations using high-accuracy navigation of mechanical shovels and automatic deployment of dump trucks based on the artificial intelligence and digital advisers being part of the dispatching system.

The article summarizes the 85-year history of the Nosov Magnitogorsk State Technical University, one of the 33 cornerstone Universities in Russia. It describes the University’s progress in International ratings, educational sphere, research activities and students’ self-administration. In 2019 the NMSTU is celebrating its 85th Anniversary. Enjoying world recognition and offering a wide range of modern competences to its students, the University and its staff set ambitious goals for the future.

The paper describes an innovative engineering solution to replace lining in large-size ball mills with the diameter over 7 m. The arrangements currently used for re-lining of such mills are considerably bulky and require a lot of open space for preparation. This approach aims to minimize the mill downtime caused by the relining activities. The author suggests replacing the mill lining with a hydraulically-driven manipulator installed on an extension platform with a device to deliver the lining inside the mill shell through the trunnion.

The paper presents a motion control system for unmanned aircrafts (UA) in coal mines. Specific features of the mine atmosphere are considered and simulation results are provided.

Prospecting and exploration of ferromanganese nodule fields, which are a valuable source of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, is characterized with a large number of unresolved problems. A particular attention should be paid to the detailed exploration phase which defines the site boundaries, as well as density, volumes and conditions of nodule deposition. The paper reviews equipment and process flows of bulk sampling and recognizes positive experience in application of the box-type dragharrow. A cassette-type minesweeper developed by the authors is offered aiming to improve sampling reliability, accuracy and efficiency. Engineering calculations of the minesweeper have been made and the efficiency of its application has been compared with other known types of sampling equipment as applied to various methods of nodule field sampling. It was established that the use of the cassette-type minesweeper improves the performance and decreases the sampling time.

Currently, the most critical challenge for sustainable development of the Russian natural resources sector is a shortage of qualified personnel and, most notably, technicians and engineers. It is common knowledge that Russia is currently experiencing considerable difficulties in training specialists in mineral resources development. Innovative interactive practices that help the students elevate their minds and take an imaginative approach to the subject matter play a key role in modern educational processes. The Centre successfully continues its systematic efforts to seek for and create a pool of talent teenagers and youth for the industrial enterprises and academic institutions.

The paper studies the feasibility of nickel extraction from picrite basalts of the Gudchikhinskaya Series by atmospheric leaching. Use of picrite basalt ores deposited at the depths above 200 m is extremely topical because it is amplifying the possibilities to utilize mineral resources of the Norilsk Region.