Hexagon Partners with Montana Tech to Accelerate Underground Safety Technology Development

As mining operations move deeper underground in search of increasingly scarce mineral resources, operators are facing more constrained spaces, reduced visibility and heightened safety risks for both personnel and equipment. Hexagon is already addressing many of these challenges through technologies that enhance situational awareness, manage operator fatigue and improve underground development processes. Access to UMEC strengthens this work by providing a full-scale underground environment where new systems can be evaluated under realistic operating conditions.

The collaboration is designed to speed the transition from laboratory development to field-ready deployment. UMEC’s underground mine setting allows Hexagon to rigorously test sensors, algorithms and operator-machine interactions, supporting the refinement of solutions before they are introduced into active mining operations. The site will also be used for training, simulation and live demonstrations, offering a practical proving ground for emerging safety technologies.

Beyond technology development, the partnership also delivers educational benefits. Students at Montana Technological University will gain hands-on exposure to cutting-edge mining technologies, as well as access to internships and learning opportunities that strengthen their academic experience and career readiness. The agreement builds on Hexagon’s long-standing support for mining education through scholarships, software access and research collaboration with institutions worldwide.

The work at UMEC will directly support the advancement of Hexagon’s next-generation underground collision avoidance system, reinforcing the company’s broader commitment to improving safety in underground environments. By combining industry expertise with academic infrastructure, the partnership aims to enhance protection for underground workers and equipment, regardless of mine depth, fleet size or geological complexity.