From Togetherness to Technology: insights from Mining@ORU and AI in Mining & Metals

Exploring the social and technological dimensions of mining’s future

In early October, two events in Örebro highlighted both the social and technological dimensions of the mining industry’s transition. The first day, Mining@ORU, hosted by Örebro University with support from Swedish Mining Innovation, gathered actors from across the Swedish mining ecosystem under the theme Togetherness – inclusion, trust and community in and around mining regions.

Participants from municipalities, regions, research institutes, mining and exploration companies, authorities, and NGOs discussed how mining and societal development can strengthen one another — from local engagement to long-term community benefit.

“It’s a shared responsibility to build trust, inclusion, and a sense of belonging in and around mining communities,” said Lotta Sartz, Senior Project Manager for Swedish Mining Innovation’s Bergslagen node. “The mining industry knows how important it is to not only advance technology, but also to create socially sustainable environments where people thrive and feel inspired to think in new ways.”

The day concluded with presentations of five newly launched Swedish Metals & Minerals projects focusing on social innovation, bridging community development and research for long-term impact.

All presentations from Mining@ORU

AI in Mining & Metals – technology, people and innovation in interaction

The following day, AI in Mining & Metals, was co-organised by the AI, Robotics and Cybersecurity Center (ARC) at Örebro University and Swedish Metals & Minerals. The event turned the spotlight to the technological side of the industry’s transition — exploring how AI, digitalisation, and robotics can contribute to a more sustainable, efficient, and safe mining and metals sector.

Researchers, PhD students, and industry representatives shared insights on topics ranging from exploration and deep mining to circularity and cybersecurity. The discussions highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration and the value of connecting academic research with industrial application to accelerate innovation.

For Swedish Metals & Minerals, the event reflected a central part of its mission: to enable a sustainable and resilient supply of metals and minerals for the societal transition — through cooperation, innovation, and technological progress.

Where social meets technical

Together, Mining@ORU and AI in Mining & Metals illustrated how innovation happens where people and technology intersect.
By creating meeting places that bridge disciplines and perspectives, the Swedish mining and metals community continues to strengthen collaboration, trust, and knowledge sharing – paving the way for a sustainable and competitive future.