Engineering News and Mining Weekly
Powering Africa’s mining future with 5G Private Networks
At the 2024 Mining Indaba in Cape Town, mobile telecommunications provider MTN proudly showcased its advancements in 5G private networks, which is helping to transform the African mining landscape alongside valued partners.
As the continent's leading mobile operator, MTN understands the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the mining industry. The company believes that 5G is not just a technological leap, but a catalyst for unlocking immense potential for safer, more efficient, and sustainable mining operations.
“We collaborate with industry leaders like Huawei, Minetec and Nulitics, leveraging their expertise to tailor solutions that address specific needs. This collaborative approach ensures cuttingedge technology seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructure,” says MTN chief enterprise business officer Tumi
Sekhukhune-Chamayou. Real-World Impact
From South Africa's Phalanndwa colliery, the first 5G-powered mine, to deployments across multiple sites, MTN Business' 5G private networks are already delivering tangible results.
"In the realm of operational efficiency, real-time data transmission is a gamechanger, enabling remote monitoring and swift responses to emergencies, bolstering safety significantly. Precision automation takes the spotlight, with autonomous vehicles and machinery seamlessly controlled over 5G networks, ensuring accurate and risk-reduced performance in repetitive tasks. The optimisation of production is realised through efficient data collection and analysis, enhancing decision-making for improved resource allocation and heightened productivity. Notably, commitments to sustainability can leverage 5G's efficiency, enabling lower energy consumption and a tangible reduction in environmental impact,” says Sekhukhune-Chamayou.
Beyond the Horizon
MTN's vision extends beyond current applications. In the realm of connected mining, a sophisticated ecosystem unfolds where every sensor, device and vehicle harmoniously communicates, crafting a digital nervous system for the mine. Through the integration of artificial intelligence-powered analytics, predictive maintenance takes centre stage, foreseeing equipment failures and effectively limiting downtime while improving uptime. This technological synergy extends further with the introduction of remote expertise, enabling skilled personnel to engage virtually with the mine. We believe that by working together, we can unlock the full potential of 5G and propel African mining towards a brighter, more sustainable future,” concludes Sekhukhune-Chamayou.