Angelina Anani

Dr. Angelina Anani is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mining & Geological Engineering at the University of Arizona, College of Engineering. She is also a member of the Graduate Faculty and actively contributes to research and teaching in mining systems optimization, mine planning, and sustainable mining practices.

Education:

• PhD in Mining Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri, United States
• BS in Mining Engineering (Summa cum laude), Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri, United States

Research Interests:
Dr. Anani's research spans a broad spectrum of mining engineering challenges, focusing on modeling and optimization of mining systems, mine planning and production scheduling, and sustainable mining system design. She investigates mine equipment reliability, tunneling and underground works, and energy and water efficiency. A significant portion of her recent work integrates machine learning and data-driven approaches into mine safety and planning, including 3D/4D/VR applications and digital twin systems. Her interdisciplinary approach also includes ethnographic research in mining communities and supply chain management in the mining sector.

Publications Trends:
Her recent publications reflect a strong shift toward intelligent systems in mining, with increasing focus on machine learning for safety, process mining for maintenance, and digital twin deployment. She combines traditional optimization techniques like discrete event simulation with modern AI to solve complex mining challenges, particularly in underground and transition mines.

Scientific Awards:

• Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. Career Development Grant
• Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, Fall 2022 Faculty Core

Advising and Grants:
Dr. Anani supervises graduate research through MNE 900 (Research), MNE 910 (Thesis), and MNE 920 (Dissertation) courses. She has secured external funding such as the Freeport-McMoRan Career Development Grant, supporting her innovative work in mine optimization and safety. While current students are not listed, her active supervision load indicates ongoing mentorship of master’s and PhD candidates.

Labs and Teams:
She is actively involved with the San Xavier Underground Mine Laboratory, where she contributes to monitoring systems and digital twin development. Her collaborative work with researchers from Chile and Ghana highlights her international engagement. She is also affiliated with professional societies including the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME), Society of Mining Professors, and Women in Mining (WIM), contributing to both technical and diversity initiatives in the field.