for SALVADOR KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – The launch of a 5G-connected coal mine operation in South Africa is an important step towards the digital transformation of the coal industry.
Huawei, MTN, Minetec Smart Mining and Phalanndwa Colliery have launched the operation.
This collaboration, at Canyon Coal’s Phalanndwa Colliery, sees Huawei and MTN provide an advanced 5G solution to ensure connectivity within the mine and plant area, at the early stage.
The mine is taking the lead in combining digital applications with 5G, achieving the first trial use of 5G applications of mining solutions in South Africa, leading the digital transformation of the mining industry.
“Phalanndwa Colliery offers the perfect combination of the right technology with the right scenario, where the ultra-high bandwidth and ultra-low latency of 5G enable real-time communication between mine workers,” said Fortune Wang, CEO of Huawei in South Africa. Carrier business.
“The implementation of more application scenarios promises incredible changes at Phalanndwa Colliery. These include proximity detection system (PDS), vehicle detection, tracking system, and wireless video surveillance,” he added.
The systems will reduce the occurrence of accidents while protecting workers from being injured by trucks.
In addition, they will be able to monitor the movement trajectory and status of trucks in real time to shorten downtime.
Experts believe this type of breakthrough will become increasingly important as South Africa seeks to remain competitive in the global mineral and resource space.
The country is the world’s top platinum producer and the mining industry accounts for 8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).
Wanda Matandela, Director of Business Operations at MTN, said that as MTN transitions from a telco to a technology company, it has an important role to play in deploying innovative technology.
“We are an ecosystem partner and infrastructure provider,” explained the executive.
“The mining company and MTN have established a deep strategic partnership and will closely cooperate to build a solid foundation for digital transformation to move the mining industry forward,” Matandela said.
Kgotso Mongalo, Phalanndwa’s general manager, said the main goals are to practice responsible mining and ensure the safety of the mine and miners.
“This move to 5G and real-time monitoring of both personnel and equipment will enable greater levels of efficiency and security,” Mongalo said.
Minetec, which provides proactive, dynamic and next-generation solutions within the mining sector, is realizing the capability of 5G technology at the Phalanndwa mine.
5G technology enables real-time notifications of any technical issues within the operation, monitoring vehicle movements, engine status and fuel levels, for example.
“With the introduction of 5G connectivity in the mine, business interruption can be avoided and it can become more sustainable and profitable,” said Minetec COO Davut Isik.
Huawei believes that this 5G smart coal in South Africa will definitely be a milestone in accelerating the digital transformation of the local coal mining industry.
Huawei SA Carrier Business CEO Fortune Wang said further introduction of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies would be key enablers of different industry verticals, including mining.
“We have seen successes in China, where these tech ecosystems are already maturing,” Wang said.
5G is the fifth generation mobile network.
– CAJ News
