Dublin, Ireland, September 2025 – Irish technology company Davra, in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), has announced the development of a groundbreaking solution to prevent mining disasters. The partnership has resulted in the creation of the Protelum project, supported by ESA’s InCubed program. The project aims to address the issue of tailings storage facility (TSF) failures, which can have catastrophic consequences for lives, communities, and the environment.
Each year, millions of tons of mining waste, known as tailings, are stored behind immense dams. When these structures fail, the consequences can be devastating. To combat this issue, the Protelum project has developed an intelligent monitoring system that utilizes satellite imagery, IoT sensors, and advanced analytics to detect potential risks in TSFs before they escalate.
The Protelum project offers an end-to-end solution for TSF safety. It addresses the fragmented state of TSF oversight by providing a cloud-based platform that acts as a “single pane of glass” for real-time safety, environmental, and operational monitoring. The platform combines Earth Observation (EO) satellite imagery, drone data, LiDAR, and ground sensors with advanced analytics to deliver actionable intelligence for regulators, operators, and communities.
One of the main objectives of the Protelum project is to prevent failures before they happen. While TSFs are essential for mining operations, their failure can result in devastating consequences. The collapse of a TSF in Brumadinho, Brazil, in 2019 claimed over 250 lives and caused lasting environmental damage. To prevent such disasters, the Sentinel platform, enabled by Protelum, was designed. By combining satellite imagery with ground sensor data, Sentinel can detect early signs of instability, giving operators time to take action before the situation escalates.
The European Space Agency’s InCubed funding has been crucial in turning Protelum from a concept into a reality. The funding has allowed Davra to conduct essential research and development, validate compliance with the new Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), and gain access to satellite data that made Protelum possible.
Paul Glynn, CEO of Davra, expressed his gratitude for ESA’s support, stating, “ESA’s support has been a critical enabler for us. It allowed Davra to accelerate innovation and bring forward solutions that address one of the mining industry’s most pressing challenges: the safe management of tailings. Protelum is proof that collaboration between Irish technology companies and ESA can deliver global impact.”
Building on the success of Protelum, Davra has launched Sentinel, an IoT-powered remote monitoring application for tailings safety. Sentinel provides 24/7 oversight of TSFs through satellite data and connected sensors, with alerting capabilities tailored to regulatory thresholds and risk conditions. Its user-friendly interface allows for global scalability, GISTM compliance, and operational simplicity. These features are made possible by Protelum’s technical foundation and ESA’s support.
Through its partnership with Johannesburg-based IoTDC, Davra has introduced Sentinel to South Africa, one of the world’s largest mining regions. Its first customer, INTASOL Tailings, has already implemented the platform across 59 sites. Brink Loots, Operations Specialist at INTASOL, commented, “Sentinel is helping us grow strategically and sign on new clients because of the way we’re managing their facilities.”
With Sentinel already in use in South Africa, Davra is now expanding the platform globally to assist mining companies, regulators, and communities in ensuring the safety of tailings and protecting the environment.
Headquartered in Dublin, Davra is a globally recognized leader in industrial IoT software. The company provides innovative, cloud-based solutions in various sectors, including mining, manufacturing, and utilities. By collaborating with partners like the European Space Agency, Davra is redefining digital transformation to create safer, smarter, and more sustainable industrial operations.
Pressat is a UK-based press release distribution company that has distributed this news article on behalf of Davra.