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Transforming the mining industry

By Sudipto Moitra, General Manager ICT – Enterprise Business, MTN


​​​​ The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to transform the mining industry, but this traditionally hands-on, people-led profession has been slow to adopt the technology. This is changing, however, as more mining companies start investing in the digital ecosystems they need to gain the benefits IoT offers.

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​​ IoT can help the mining industry improve efficiency, streamline processes and reduce costs.

Furthermore, it can improve safety within the mines by providing real-time information on conditions, and help with blasting and excavation by gathering big data. Individual worker health can also be monitored with separate wearable sensors.

While the mining industry has started appreciating the advantages IoT and its associated technologies offer, there are still some challenges to overcome. The depth of mine can make connectivity and communications difficult for example, but by implementing more reliable connectivity and data-processing strategies, this can effectively be overcome.

Technical private networks powering smart mines

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.

Any and all solutions to these challenges rest on connectivity – not just the 5G networks that have started being implemented, but the private wireless ecosystems that are enabling mining operations to take the next step in their digital transformation journeys. As with all technological advances, connectivity provides the foundation for digital enablement in mines, driving efficiency and safety, cost efficiency, better returns, and even new revenue streams.

Technical private networks are therefore promising to be key to the future of intelligent mining that delivers real value. IoT ecosystems in mines can be far-reaching and complex. Whether a mine uses UAVs for inspection, stockpile management and safety, wearables for field maintenance and operator safety, or IoT sensors that provide data for real time collision avoidance and vehicle intervention or planning and scheduling, a combination of different connectivity options is not only necessary to ensure the technology functions optimally, but is preferable from an efficiency point of view.

Mission-critical controls, for example, will have much higher throughput and latency demands compared to the requirements for resilient nine to five operations. Mines will therefore ultimately end up with a combination of fixed wireless access, fibre optics, and 5G networks to enable ethernet everywhere.

Moving up the stack

While connectivity is the foundation of the IoT ecosystem, mines will need to move up the stack to ensure reduced risk, optimised profits, and all of the other benefits it offers. IoT is not just about connectivity, but about devices and applications. From computing resources, to data analytics, to embedded security, the convergence of technology is key to intelligent mining operations.

While there are a variety of solution providers throughout this value chain, few are focused on creating a complete solution set, and even fewer are partnering with others to provide comprehensive solutions to meet the specific needs of mining operations. MTN has not only invested in building skills and a centre of excellence, but has been working with OEMS and systems integrators to ensure that miners have access to the full suite of technologies they need to create the smart operations that will keep them competitive. As mines continue to invest in IoT, we will continue to partner with technology leaders to provide solutions that guarantee resilience and flexibility, regardless of where they are in their digital transformation journey.



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