Mining equipment test centers as a tool of industrial policy
S.M. Nikitenko1, E.V. Goosen1, A.A. Rozhkov2, A.N. Smirnov3
1 Federal Research Center for Coal and Coal Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
2 Russian Energy Agency, Moscow, Russian Federation
3 Kuzbass Welding and Control Center, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №3/ 2026 p. 48-53
Abstract: This article examines new industrial policy tools, i.e. mining equipment test centers. The article identifies the main types of mining equipment test centers and provides their characteristics. It is established that mining equipment test centers are no longer solely technical facilities, but are becoming a critical strategic asset ensuring successful development of the mining industry and mining engineering in modern conditions. The authors review and present the experience of the European Union, the United States, China, and Australia in establishing and organizing mining equipment test centers. The role of these facilities in implementing industrial policy, reducing import dependence, and fostering technological sovereignty is analyzed using open data and policy documents. This article identifies three main models for organizing mining equipment testing centers, i.e. private regulatory, decentralized (USA, Canada); private integration (EU, Australia); and state centralized (China). Each model is described and relevant case studies are presented. A conclusion is made that well-developed mining equipment testing center infrastructure is a prerequisite for the accelerated implementation of innovations and production localization.
Keywords: mining equipment test centers, country models, technological sovereignty, industrial policy, test facilities
Acknowledgements: This research was supported by the Russian Science Foundation, Grant No. 25-18-00647, https://rscf.ru/project/18-00647
For citation: Nikitenko S.M., Goosen E.V., Rozhkov A.A., Smirnov A.N. Mining equipment test centers as a tool of industrial policy. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(3):48–53. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-3-48-53
Article info
Received: 20.09.2026
Revised: 24.03.2026
Accepted: 13.04.2026
Information about the authors
Sergey M. Nikitenko – Dr. Sci. (Econ.), Chief Researcher, Federal Research Center for Coal and Coal Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4516-9064; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Elena V. Goosen – Cand. Sci. (Econ.), Leading Researcher, Federal Research Center for Coal and Coal Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1387-4802; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Anatoly A. Rozhkov – Dr. Sci. (Econ.), Professor, Head of the Department of Analytical Research and Short-Term Forecasting of Coal Industry Development, Russian Energy Agency, Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4541-0922
Aleksander N. Smirnov – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, Director, Kuzbass Welding and Control Center, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0342-3055
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