Huawei 5G technology assists African mines

With the world's major economies announcing net-zero carbon emissions goals, it is critical that the development of intelligent mining is accelerated.

In doing this, Chinese multinational Huawei has partnered with four mines in Southern Africa to bring 5G-enabled technology solutions. The advancements mean that several emerging technologies, such as remote vehicle control and Internet of Things (IoT), can be combined with 5G to improve functionality across these mines.

Currently, the company is working with three South African mines – open-cast Phalanndwa Colliery in South Africa's Mpumalanga province; Nungu Mine, which is a surface coal mine also in Mpumalanga; and Zijin Platinum in Limpopo. Furthermore, it is working with Botswana's diamond producer, Debswana.

In addition to working with the mines, Huawei has also partnered with technology solutions providers like Minetec, and carriers like MTN and ICT companies like BCX.

Huawei's technology at Phalanndwa Colliery

At Phalanndwa Colliery, Huawei and MTN provide an advanced 5G solution to ensure connectivity within the mine and plant area.

"Phalanndwa Colliery offers the perfect combination of the right technology with the right scenario, where ultra-high bandwidth and ultra-low latency of 5G allows real-time communication among the mine workers," said Huawei's SA Carrier Business CEO Fortune Wang at the launch of the mining technology.

With smart mining, several emerging technologies, such as remote vehicle control and IoT, can be combined with 5G to improve functionality across mines. (Source: Huawei.)

"The deployment of more application scenarios promises incredible changes will be happening in the Phalanndwa Colliery. These include PDS (proximity detection system), vehicle detection, tracking system and wireless video surveillance," he added.

The mining company and MTN have established an in-depth strategic partnership and will cooperate closely to build a solid foundation for digital transformation to take the mining industry forward, continued MTN Chief Commercial Officer Wanda Matandela.

Worker safety interventions at Nungu Mine

Huawei's technology has also been used by BCX, one of the largest systems integrators in Africa and a division of Telkom, to enhance worker safety and business productivity at Nungu Mine.

The deployment of the 5G-enabled technology is set to boost the mine's operational efficiencies and safety.

Furthermore, the mine has been equipped with wireless connectivity, data analytics and automation that enables video monitoring via drone technology, integrated connectivity with handheld devices and tablets, and a facial recognition proximity detection system.

Huawei South Africa Enterprise Division Channel Department Director Frenndy Wang said that, in addition to improved safety and operational efficiency, another differentiator is that 5G allows for AI-based real-time data analytics, which is key for smart mining.

5G-based ICT solutions at Zijin Platinum

Elsewhere, the partnership between the Chinese multinational MTN and the Zijin Mining Group sees the building of South Africa's first 5G-enabled smart metal mine.

MTN and Huawei are providing 5G-based ICT solutions for smart mining including high-speed 5G broadband access, vehicle remote control, IoT, and enterprise digital transformation.

Huawei said that once complete, the mine will mark a significant step forward in the digital transformation of the local mining industry.

The deployment of the 5G-enabled technology is set to boost mining's operational efficiencies and safety. (Source: Huawei.)

It will effectively demonstrate how several emerging technologies can be combined with 5G to improve functions across the mine.

"Digital transformation has become a global trend across numerous industries, and 5G has undoubtedly accelerated this," said Huawei Global Carrier Marketing and Solution President Peng Song.

Smart diamond mine project

During this year's MWC event in Barcelona, Huawei and Botswana diamond producer Debswana announced the 5G-oriented smart diamond mine project.

The Huawei-enabled smart mine solution at the open-pit diamond mine, has seen Huawei's 4G eLTE private network solution providing stable connectivity for the Jwaneng mine.

Connecting more than 260 pieces of equipment, including drilling rigs, excavators, heavy trucks, and pickup trucks the solution enables interconnection between the mine's production, safety, and security systems.

The Chinese multinational added that these technologies at different mines in Southern Africa are bringing smart mining to life.

That enhances their ability to monitor the mines on a 24-hour basis, improving the security and safety of employees and increasing productivity, while actively minimizing incidents at the mines.

*Top image is of Huawei 5G Mining Group. (Source: Huawei).

— Matshepo Sehloho, Associate Editor, Connecting Africa