The I²Mine (Innovative Technologies and Concepts for the Intelligent Deep Mine of the Future) project marked the start of a series of activities designed to realise the concept of an invisible, zero-impact mine. It concentrated on the development of technologies suitable for deep mining activities.

The I²Mine project developed the innovative methods, technologies, machines and equipment necessary for the efficient exploitation of minerals and disposal of waste, all of which carried out underground. This reduced the volume of surface transportation of both minerals and waste, minimising the above ground installations and reducing the environmental impact.