In support of South Africa’s Mining Health and Safety Council’s quest for zero harm,

telecommunications equipment company Huawei Technologies believes that the use of wireless communication solutions can assist in monitoring mineworkers on site to ensure that there are no fatalities.

“Mining activity continues to grow in South Africa, with South African mining companies also venturing into the rest of Africa. Despite the development, there is still a huge reliance on human labour as machines cannot be used in deep mining caves,” says Huawei energy and mining business sector director James Mulebeke.

Referring to the second- and third-tier mines where mechanisation has not been fully realised, he adds that increased capacity in these mines refers to increased human resources, especially in the production of ore.

Owing to this, miners are most likely to be subjected to fires, accidents or rockfalls, which means communication is critical for safety underground in terms of tracking miners, he states.

“Although surveillance assists with identifying illegal miners and illegal mining activity, it can also be vital during emergencies where there is a need for evacuations in the face of danger,” notes Mulebeke, pointing out that the biggest challenge with mine evacuations in the event of calamity underground is knowing exactly where the trapped or injured miners are.

The introduction of wireless video enables real-time transmission, unified dispatching and precise underground positioning. Also, cracks in the rock surface or similar hazards can be observed and dealt with accordingly in advance using the wireless video, while creating a risk averse security system.

Mulebeke warns that, although these technologies work well to ensure safety underground, they need to be waterproof and safe-guarded from the elements to ensure smooth communication in harsh mining environments.

“Equipment that functions on Wi-Fi, third- generation and fourth-generation telecommunication has been designed in a manner that does not require it to be placed in dangerous mining zones, therefore ensuring undisturbed wireless communication.”

Mulebeke concludes that communication is now viewed as the basis on which mines will improve production and operational efficiencies while also radically transforming business methodologies in line with business strategies and achieving business objectives.