This work presents results of experimental researches of influence of various hightemperature thermomechanical treatment (HTMT) modes in 35KhGSA steel – material applied in rock-destroying cutters – on hardness and wear rate for the most common abrasive rock in mining operations – sandstone. It has been found out that HTMT leads to increase of steel hardness and reduction of wear rate compared to heat treatment applied at manufacture of cutters. The maximal increase of hardness (by 23%) and reduction of wear rate (by 38%) corresponds to the mode of distortion accumulation of ∼1,5 at 900 °С at water quenching and tempering at 230 °C. A conclusion that thermomechanical treatment is an effective way to increase the wear resistance of steels applied in the conditions of abrasion wear has been drawn.

According to the top-priority trends and challenges in the mineral sector, and as per the mining science strategy, it is highly critical to arrange enhanced control, prediction and safety of production objects and their functioning for the preservation of automation sustainability. Improved control of databases, regulatory bonds, management, logistics and principles of sustainable development in mining makes it possible to reduce technological deviations and accidents at large mining and processing plants. Most procedural violations and accidents in surface and underground mines occur because of the unskilled actions of process flow operators. Damage in this case can be considerable, especially as compared with the expenses connected with qualitative training and persistent development of personnel engaged with supervisory control and data acquisition for the efficient operation of SCADA-systems within the automation framework of mining and processing plants. Definition of digital systems and their interrelation with multilevel automated control can be incorrect. The review of new principles can awaken interest in the conceptual assessment of digitalization processes using such notions as: numerical models, simulator, and artificial intel-ligence. Often applied formulations and principles of a digital model are substituted without justification of functional connections. On the other hand, a digital system today can be assumed as robotic lines and other numerical models and smart technologies, for instance, machining sta-tions with numerical program control. It is necessary to define the practical significance of conceptual modifications and digital transformation regarding objects of the mineral sector, using Big Data; to understand how a digital twin can influence a changeable process situation; to provide prompt prediction; to eliminate an accident; and to preserve the physical balance in the whole production system. Such intelligent and flexible productions particularly need computer-based simulators and digital twins based on technologies of Industry 4.0–extended and virtual reality on the basis of digital twins. Digital twins allow maximal simulation of real-life activity of process flow operators. The skills acquired by personnel after such simulation training enable operators to master the optimized procedure for functioning in emergency situations in mineral mining and processing. This paper exemplifies the remote training and control of process flows, which is of concern in the current international situation.

Big Data analysis is becoming an everyday task for companies all over the world, including Russian companies. Due to advances in technology and the reduction in the cost of storage systems, companies can now collect and store large volumes of heterogeneous data. The important step of extracting knowledge and value from such data is a challenge that will eventually be met by all companies seeking to maintain their competitiveness and place in the market. However, companies face several challenges when it comes to collecting, pre-processing, and integrating data into cohesive data sets designed to deliver analytics. In this article, the above problems and possible solutions are illustrated using the example of cleaning, integration, and normalization of data obtained in the measurement of indicators for the Vanyukov melting furnace process. The article considers an approach to the study of metallurgical processes using the analysis of large operational control data sets. Standard methods of processing the data sets of operational process control are used. The correlation analysis of the main process parameters is carried out. The results are interpreted for their further practical application.