Smart mining is the future, and the foundation of smart mining is connectivity
The mining industry is exploring 5G technology at an accelerated pace, largely to enable IoT-driven use cases such as predictive analytics for maintenance and fleet management. Offering more reliable connectivity, lower latency, more control over security and network than previous communications technologies, 5G private networks will drive new business models in mining.
South Africa’s mineral wealth is legendary. Our mining industry is a world leader that employs hundreds of thousands of people, but if it doesn’t evolve alongside the technological innovations that are reshaping the sector, there’s a very real danger it will be left in the dust.
5G-enabled technologies are already laying the foundation for smart mines, providing support for various applications through seamless connectivity. Enabling use cases for many different technologies, such as mobile robots, self-driving machines, AGVs (automated guided vehicle systems), predictive maintenance, and so on, 5G Private Networks are the next step in the evolution of mining, offering a fast, secure and private foundation on which the mines of the future are being built.
Emerging technologies facilitate efficiencies
The application of digital technologies, both in their current form and in future digital forms such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), big data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly pivotal to mining success. McKinsey predicts that by 2035, AI and IoT will save up to $390 billion for mining operations annually. Of course, revenue will grow accordingly. However, according to a study conducted with 100 global mining companies, only half utilise IoT’s opportunities for cost savings and the other half suffer losses from missed opportunities.
This is changing fast in South Africa. According to the IoT Industry Council, investment in the Internet of Things (IoT) has grown more than 30% over the past six years, with other technologies in the digital ecosystem powering smart mines seeing similar growth. Mines are reporting cost optimisations of around 23% as a result of IoT solutions and 18% improved production recovery through reduced downtime of machinery and shutdowns.
This will ensure much greater investment into IoT solutions in the future as mines look to gain even more efficiencies. There are many other IoT use cases that mines have started valuing. Radical improvements in safety are being matched with marked improvements in ESG adoption and reporting and value chain automation, to name a few.
Solving today’s problems with tomorrow’s technology
Every mining operation is in a different state of maturity when it comes to digital transformation, leading to different challenges. These range from accessing secure data and real time networks, to converging old and new systems into one operating environment and integrating IT and OT, to dealing with operations unable to withstand extreme conditions or heavy transportation in confined spaces.
The deployment of 5G private networks has the potential to transform the mining industry, enabling improved safety and efficiency, the streamlining of processes and the reduction of costs. In the past, Wi-Fi networks were suitable to a certain extent, but these have their own limitations.
Whether you are talking about autonomous vehicles, critical infrastructure and controls, or remote control and process automation, mines have several mission-critical processes that each have different requirements as far as throughput, performance, and resilience are concerned. In other words, they have different requirements from a connectivity perspective.
A 5G private network ensures that miners are better able to leverage the technologies they are investing in as part of their digital transformation.
Automation has become a significant competitive enabler, but traditional networks make it difficult to quickly customise systems such as robotics and sensors. The same applies to IoT applications being implemented in mines. 5G private networks allow all systems to be automated and connected with secure low-latency wireless, which will enable the fast processing of data and adaptive business models the mines of the future will need to stay competitive.
Supporting smart operations
A 5G private network makes exclusive use of available capacity. There is no contention from other network users, as would be the case on a public network. MTN can also deploy customised security policies to authorise users, prioritise traffic, and, most importantly, to ensure that sensitive data does not leave the premises without authorisation.
Mining is rapidly moving from using traditional assembly lines to largely automated smart operations that produce more efficiently using real-time data. This transformation requires ultra-reliable low-latency communications to deliver on its promise of driving efficiency and improved safety, not to mention boosted returns.
From smart devices to machine-learning systems to pervasive communications, the need for ultra-high speeds and reliability requires technologies that can connect in a variety of situations while remaining compliant with regulations. MTN’s 5G private networks effectively address this challenge, allowing sensors to be easily deployed in a wider variety of scenarios, allowing mines to create innovative applications and collect real-time data.
When it comes to health and safety for example, with MTN’s 5G and IoT solutions, smart mines can get a real time view of all their crucial data: Groundwater levels, seismic activity, displacement, temperature, smoke, gas leakages, emissions, and the location of miners and equipment.
This data is collected remotely and centrally managed to ensure that operations, maintenance, efficiency, and safety are top of mind.
Compelling use cases
MTN is already working with several mining groups to understand how to enhance networks, operations and security using the best 5G in the country.
This will improve functions such as ore screening, mining efficiency, equipment automation, transmission automation, and underground safety.
Mining equipment and machinery operating in open pit, surface strip, or underground mines can easily be outfitted with IoT-enabled sensors and wireless transmitting equipment to enhance operational safety and maintain accurate machine performance.
Other use cases for smart mines, enabled by 5G networks, include:
- UAVs for inspection, stockpile management, and safety monitoring
- Planning and scheduling optimisation
- Wearables for field maintenance and operator safety
- Fleet Management and health IoT sensors for real time data capture
- Collision avoidance and vehicle intervention
- D&B precision for surface or underground
The dedicated nature of 5G private networks coupled with a customised service, intrinsic control, and ultra-low latency capabilities provides more reliable industrial wireless communication for a wide variety of use cases. This is necessary in an industry that needs to modernise fast, but at a pace that allows companies to gain the full benefits with little risk.
This will lead to
- Improved operational efficiency
Transforming the rules of engagement
5G private networks – and the benefits they enable – are going to become increasingly important as South Africa looks to remain competitive in the global mineral and resources space. Connectivity is critical to digital transformation, and as miners continue to use technology to gain efficiencies, 5G private networks will allow these organisations to gain cost benefits, create new revenue streams, and provide better stakeholder returns.
These advantages are contingent on an entire technology ecosystem enabled by 5G private networks, so MTN has established a network of partners and service providers to create customized solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of mining companies. These solutions are co-created with the customer, starting with a conversation to understand what the mine is trying to achieve with its digital transformation strategy. The solution then moves up the stack to include things like compute and embedded security.
Working with OEMs and system integrators, MTN has established its leadership role in this space through innovative solutions while leveraging its world-class network and systems to transform not just old mining processes, but how miners operate.
In much the same way that MTN has constantly upgraded and enhanced its existing network, investing over R50-billion over the past 5 years to continue to be named South Africa’s Best Network, the company will continue to invest heavily in its 5G private networks ecosystem in order to continue offering game-changing solutions for any industry looking to gain an innovative edge.
A 5G private network ensures that miners are better able to leverage the technologies they are investing in as part of their digital transformation.
Reach out to MTN Business if you would like to engage and learn how private networks can Redefine your Industry.