Biomimicry for Mining: Investigating the Applications of Swarm Robotics and Other Nature-Inspired Designs for Mining

This review critically examines the integration of biomimicry, nature-inspired algorithms (NIAs), and swarm robotics to enhance sustainability, automation, and efficiency in mining operations. The paper begins by defining the foundational concepts of biomimicry, highlighting how nature-inspired designs have influenced engineering, architecture, and other fields. It then explores NIAs, discussing how biological processes such as foraging, evolution, and swarming have been modelled to solve complex optimization problems. Swarm robotics, largely inspired by the collective behaviour of social insects and other natural systems, is also analysed for its potential to revolutionize autonomous exploration, material transport, and excavation in dynamic mining environments. The synergy between biomimicry, NIAs, and swarm robotics is assessed for its applicability in addressing key challenges in the mining sector, including safety, resource management, and environmental sustainability. Systematic review of current technologies and future potential applications is presented, offering strategic insights into how these innovations can drive the transition towards fully automated and sustainable mining practices.