The recent disaster at the Praid salt mine has once again highlighted the vulnerability and complexity of underground mining environments, particularly in situations involving water ingress and unstable geological conditions. While the event has drawn widespread attention, similar incidents have occurred in the past, underlining the importance of understanding geological risks and improving monitoring and inspection methods.
In response to the event, UNEXMIN GeoRobotics Ltd. published a podcast discussion featuring Dr. Richárd Zoltán Papp, geologist, focusing on the geological background of the Praid case, comparable historical incidents, and the potential role of underwater robotics in managing and mitigating such risks.
🎙️ Podcast with Dr. Richárd Zoltán Papp (Geologist)
👉 [YouTube link to be inserted]
During the discussion, Dr. Papp explains how geological and hydrogeological processes—such as water inflow, rock dissolution in salt formations, and structural instability—can lead to sudden and severe failures in underground mines. He also reflects on earlier cases where similar conditions resulted in flooding or collapse, emphasising recurring patterns that can serve as warning signs.
Parallels Between Praid and the Aknaszlatina Case
In a second video, Dr. Papp draws parallels between the Praid salt mine disaster and the earlier Aknaszlatina case, highlighting shared geological characteristics and risk factors. By comparing the two events, the discussion illustrates how underground water movement, soluble rock formations, and human activity can combine to create critical situations when subsurface conditions are not sufficiently understood or monitored.
🎥 Video: Comparing the Praid and Aknaszlatina Events
👉 [YouTube link to be inserted]
This comparison demonstrates that such incidents are rarely isolated and that valuable lessons can be learned by analysing past events through a geological and engineering lens.
How Underwater Robotics Can Support Safer Decision-Making
A key theme of both discussions is the role that underwater robotic technologies can play in assessing hazardous underground environments. In flooded or inaccessible mine workings, robotic systems enable:
• Safe exploration without human entry,
• Visual inspection and sensor-based data collection in unstable conditions,
• Mapping and documentation of affected areas to support informed decision-making.
UNEXMIN GeoRobotics Ltd. has extensive experience in the robotic exploration of flooded mines and confined underground spaces. Events such as the Praid disaster reinforce the importance of these technologies not only for research purposes, but also for risk assessment, emergency response, and long-term prevention strategies.
By publishing these podcast discussions, UNEXMIN GeoRobotics aims to place current events into a broader scientific and technological context, contributing to professional dialogue and increasing awareness of how modern robotic solutions can support safer management of underground environments.