James Trevelyan, SVP, Enterprise and Emerging Marketing, Speedcast
Mining in Africa is now starting to recover from the global pandemic, with GlobalData predicting gold production in the western part of the continent will see a significant rise this year in growth. Therefore, it is imperative operators utilize the power of digital transformation to revolutionize their operations and bounce back as strongly as possible. Mining has long been an uncertain sector in Africa but coupled with the global economic downturn and the falling prices of metal and oil prices, it needs a drastic shift.
Technology is the answer
The systems put in place can be leveraged to boost productivity of both workers and resources. Sensors placed on mining equipment and other applications enable huge amounts of data to be collected, which can then be sophistically analysed to reveal any operational bottlenecks and cost inefficiencies. Technology, such as autonomous haulage and drilling systems, has been shown to have an immediate impact, achieving higher utilization, resulting in more engine hours and more tons of material to be moved per day. Due to their programmed nature, tire life is also significantly improved with vehicle collisions and sidewall punctures being completely avoided. Analytics can also generate predictive maintenance schedules so equipment can be swiftly taken offline at a convenient time and serviced without causing the need for a major breakdown bringing operations to a stop.
Digital twin technology can transform how companies operate even further. Using data from every device, sensor and application within the mine, it is possible to create a digital replica which is kept up to date with data flowing in from the field in real-time. This enables any proposed changes or additions to the site to be tested with a great deal of accuracy before physical on site implementation. This technology is being adopted at a rapid rate, as operators save millions of dollars by eliminating any errors prior to installation.
Mining has long been one of the most world’s most dangerous professions. The Connected Mine drastically improves safety as the most hazardous jobs can be performed autonomously, keeping staff out of harms away. Meanwhile, work site surveillance provided via video CCTV systems and analytics play a key role in keeping employees safe, as unlike human supervisors, cameras and data processing platforms never sleep or get distracted.
The health of people living near the mine is equally important. The same surveillance and analytic capabilities enable mines to monitor their environmental impact and take pre-emptive action to prevent harm to nearby communities. Technology offers significant opportunities for mines across Africa to transform their operations and boost performance.
High-quality connectivity is essential
The Connected Mine can only be successful if there is robust, reliable connectivity. This places special requirements on the network and requires a fully managed service that can seamlessly integrate a mix of communication technologies, including microwave, Wi-Fi and satellite services. It also needs to be intelligent and able to dynamically select the best price performance at any time to avoid stranded capacity or transmission bottlenecks.
The network must also be able to deliver extreme uptime and be highly secure to protect the sensitive information that is always being transmitted. It also needs to support critical enterprise applications such as e-learning to remote management and have installation services, field maintenance and technical support accessible worldwide.
Incorporating private LTE solutions such as the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC), provided by Speedcast, will enable a private wireless network that can support every application and system operating within any mine, regardless of the environment or remoteness. To enable smart manufacturing, predictive maintenance, remote operations and machine-to-machine communication, a high-quality network is essential.
Success for the long term
With mining starting to recover from COVID-19 in Africa, it is now a good time for operators to embrace digital transformation and the benefits it can bring. With remote management more of a priority now than ever before, it is imperative they look at incorporating the Connected Mine to totally rejuvenate their processes with increased productivity and safety.
To do this successfully, they need solutions that guarantee high quality communications and connectivity to manage all of the applications running at the mine and ensure access to the outside world for vital information, entertainment and news. This will protect the recovery of Africa’s mining industry with technology affording greater efficiency and return on investment alongside all the benefits remote management, automation and detailed insights can provide. The operators that utilize technology today, will guarantee their success for the long term and be one step ahead of their competitors at what is a crucial time for the industry.
The feature was featured in the May/June edition of FMDRC 2021
