Mining is entering a phase in which decarbonisation, safety, and productivity targets are being pursued through tightly coupled technological and governance changes (Dotsenko et al., 2024; Olsén et al., 2024). This paper develops and applies an integrated socio-technical framework that links major technology families (automation/robotics, AI (artificial intelligence) and digital twins, advanced drilling and blasting, electrification/renewables, and frontier domains such as deep-sea and space mining) to sustainability outcomes across underground, open-pit, processing, and tailings closure contexts (Xiao et al., 2022; Konieczna-Fuławka et al., 2025). Using an interdisciplinary synthesis of peer-reviewed research, industry evidence and policy principles (including Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and International Council of Mining and Metals (ICMM) Mining Principles), the study moves beyond a catalogue of innovations by making boundary conditions and second-order effects explicit. As an example, autonomy can reduce exposure to hazards but increase dependence on cyber-physical assurance, connectivity, and functional safety verification; electrification can eliminate underground diesel emissions, yet its net climate benefit and operational resilience depend on charging logistics, power quality, and grid carbon intensity. A maturity–impact mapping is introduced to distinguish scaled technologies from pilots and to prioritise where evidence is transferable versus context-dependent. The framework is grounded in 25 global case studies spanning regions, commodities, and organizational types, enabling comparative interpretation of what works, where, and why. The central contribution is a decision-relevant synthesis that identifies integrated “solution bundles” and the enabling infrastructure, workforce transitions, and governance mechanisms required for credible scale-up, providing a practical agenda for achieving safer, lower-carbon, and socially accepted mining systems.

At the same time, modern safety systems, including collision avoidance technology, wearable smart sensors, slope stability monitoring, fatigue detection, and remote-controlled equipment, help reduce accidents and improve worker safety. Environmental technologies such as energy-efficient equipment, dust suppression, water recycling, waste management, and mine reclamation reduce the environmental impact of mining and promote sustainable development. However, challenges such as high investment costs, cybersecurity issues, data integration, and the shortage of skilled workers still affect the adoption of these technologies. This review presents recent advances in surface mining technologies and explains their contribution to innovation, operational efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. It also discusses future trends that can support the development of smart and sustainable surface mining.