Underground Mining Market By Product (Supported, Unsupported, Caving) , By Operator (Contract Mining, Operator Mining) By Application (Coal Mining, Metal Mining, Mineral Mining, Others) : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033
Underground Mining Market
The underground mining market was valued at $23.1 Billion in 2023, and is projected to reach $28.5 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 2.1% from 2024 to 2033
Underground mining involves the extraction of minerals, ores, and other geological materials from the underground surface of the earth. In this form of mining, holes are created on the earth’s surface by blasting. On average, underground mining involves digging up to 1,000ft deeper into the Earth’s surface. However, for some minerals such as uranium the earth is dug up to an extreme range of 6,500ft.
Surge in the expansion of industrialization and urbanization has boosted the demand for metals & minerals, hence driving the growth of the underground mining market. In addition, scarcity of resources on the upper surface of the earth is increasing the requirement for underground mining to dig deeper and extract resources. The market development is significantly propelled by advancements in technology, including automation and improved ventilation systems. Moreover, real-time monitoring technique is boosting the adoption of innovative mining technologies as the technique ensures improved worker safety and amplified productivity. The trend of AI has assimilated into the operations of underground mining. Mining companies have begun to use the attributes of AI such as data analytics and automation to optimize their operations, reduce downtime, and lower the maintenance costs. AI further facilitates the prediction of geotechnical conditions, assisting the mining companies in decision making regarding risk mitigation.
However, underground mining is a cost-intensive procedure as it requires significant expenditure for different activities such as ventilation, drilling, ground support, and safety measures. This hampers the development of the underground mining market. Furthermore, the market growth is subject to several regulatory measures pertaining to worker safety, environment protection, and resource management. Compliance with these regulations is an intricate and time-consuming process, which delays the development. According to Statista, a global data and business intelligence platform, the net profit margin of the global mining industry has declined from 25% in 2010 to 14% in 2022. Contrarily, explorations in deep-sea mining and advancements in underwater robotics for extraction are poised to open new avenues for the market expansion.
Segment ReviewThe underground mining market is segmented into product, operator, application, and region. On the basis of product, the market is divided into supported, unsupported, and caving. Depending on operator, it is bifurcated into contract mining and operator mining. As per application, it is classified into coal mining, metal mining, mineral mining, and others. Region wise, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.
Key FindingsOn the basis of product, the supported segment acquired a high stake in the market in 2023.
Depending on operator, the contract mining segment held a high market share in 2023.
As per application, the coal mining segment accounted for a high market share in 2023.
Region wise, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to be the highest revenue generator by 2033.
Competition AnalysisThe major players of the global underground mining market include BHP, Anglo American PLC., Rio Tinto, Vale SA, Implats Platinum Limited, MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC, Amur Minerals Corporation, Alcoa Corporation, The Redpath Group, and GBF Underground Mining Company Limited. These major players have adopted various key development strategies such as business expansion, new product launches, and partnerships to strengthen their foothold in the competitive market.
Key Market SegmentsBy ProductSupported
Unsupported
Caving
By OperatorContract Mining
Operator Mining
By ApplicationCoal Mining
Metal Mining
Mineral Mining
Others
By RegionNorth America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
France
Germany
Italy
UK
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
Brazil
Argentina
Rest of
Middle East Africa
South Africa
UAE
Soudi Arabia
Rest of Middle East Africa
Key Market Players
BHP
Anglo American PLC.
Rio Tinto
Vale SA
Implats Platinum Limited
MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC
Amur Minerals Corporation
Alcoa Corporation
The Redpath Group
GBF Underground Mining Company Limited