An overview of information technology (IT) in underground mining services applications is discussed against the backdrop of the vital challenges that this technology has to prevail for successful implementation in these hazardous environments. The application of IT is broken down into a number of key areas, for example, information dissemination, safety, remote operations, mine mechanization, fleet management, environmental impact, exploration of coal and minerals, process improvement and efficiency. Consideration is also given to future prospects of IT in mining industry.
