PrefaceThe conference proceedings contain the selected papers presented at the International Scientific Conference “Knowledge-based technologies in development and utilization of mineral resources” held on June 5-8, 2018 within the framework of the International Specialized Exhibition of Mining Technologies Russian Coal and Mining in Novokuznetsk, Russia. The conference was dedicated to the 400th anniversary of the city of Novokuznetsk.The conference was organized by Siberian State Industrial University (Novokuznetsk, Russia), the Federal Research Center for Coal and Coal Chemistry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Kemerovo, Russia), Scientific Research Institute for Industrial Research and Environmental Safety in the Mining Industry (Kemerovo, Russia), the University of Science and Technology Liaoning (Anshan, China), Expo center “Kuzbass Fair” (Novokuznetsk, Russia). The event was actively supported by the Administration of Kemerovo Region and Novokuznetsk, the Russian Foundation for Basic Research.The conference is a recognized scientific and practical forum for professional discussion of problems related to the state and prospects for the development of new technologies, machinery and equipment that ensure the rational use of mineral resources, industrial and environmental safety of mining enterprises. The event was attended by scientists and specialists from different institutions, companies and coal mining enterprises from Russia, Germany, India, Italy, the Donetsk People’s Republic, India, Italy, Tajikistan. Active participation of PhD students and young scientists is particularly noteworthy.More than 100 papers were submitted to the Conference Organizing Committee. The present issue of IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science contains 56 specially selected research papers covering the following topics studied by leading domestic and foreign R&D organizations, representatives of the mining and processing industry, universities: creation of digital technologies for performance of production processes dangerous for personnel with the use of robotic manipulators; improvement of traditional methods and technical means of mining and processing of mineral resources based on the results of mathematical modeling of the main and auxiliary processes parameters, including coal seam gas drainage, prevention of geodynamic phenomena.The Organizing Committee expresses deep gratitude to all organizers and participants of the conference for their active participation and discussion of the theoretical foundations and results of the practical application of innovative ways and means of integrated use of mineral resources in the safe working conditions, which is a significant contribution to the development of mining science and practice. Also the Organizing Committee would like to thank the Russian Foundation for Basic Research for its financial support (project No. 18-05-20026).Vice-chair of the Organizing Committeeand Editor-in-chiefProf. Dr. Viktor Fryanov