Mining services company Tapojärvi has partnered with the Mechatronics Research Group (MRG) at Tampere University in the MasterMine project, one of whose focus areas is the development of an autonomous scaling machine for use in underground mining tunnels.
Tapojärvi’s role in the project has been to bring the end user’s perspective into the machine’s development and to ensure that the solution meets the real needs of mining conditions. Cooperation with Tampere University has been close throughout the entire construction phase, with the goal of ensuring the machine’s safety, usability, and functionality.
In recent months, Tapojärvi’s work has focused on preparing for the upcoming testing phase. A risk assessment has been prepared in collaboration with Tampere University and Outokumpu’s Kemi mine personnel. The assessment covers all potential hazards and the appropriate risk management methods.
The testing plan has been finalised to ensure safe and phased progress in the autonomous navigation trials; and a training session for mine personnel will be arranged so that testing can begin in a controlled and safe manner.
Next, the project will move into a visible phase: the machine will arrive in Kemi at the end of October and will first be showcased at the Tapojärvi Innovation Challenge event on 27 October 2025, where representatives of the MasterMine project will present it to the audience. After the event, the machine will be transported to the Kemi mine, where a comprehensive information session will be held to review the machine’s technical solutions, fire safety, testing plan, and risk assessment.
Following the information session, the machine will be moved underground, and testing of autonomous navigation in a closed area can begin. Tapojärvi says it plays an active role in the development of autonomous mining machines, with the goal of improving safety and advancing the digitalisation of mining operations.
