Image mining is the most promising and complex scientific direction of image analysis, dedicated to extracting knowledge and information from images, necessary for interpreting and understanding images and making intelligent decisions regarding objects, processes, events and phenomena presented in the image. Image mining is based on the methods of the mathematical theory of image analysis, the mathematical theory of pattern recognition and mathematical linguistics. Automation of image mining is one of the most important strategic goals in image analysis, recognition and understanding both in scientific and technological aspects. The main subgoals are developing and applying of mathematical theory for constructing image models and representations allowable by efficient pattern recognition algorithms and for constructing standardized representations and selection of image analysis transforms. Our analysis showed that the main directions of current fundamental and applied research in the field of image mining are the following: The publication presents an introductory paper to the IMTA Proceedings. The main scientific results of the 9th International Workshop “Image Mining: Theory and Applications,” held on December 1, 2024, Kolkata, India, are presented.