Every mining environment poses different challenges but mining houses tend to prioritise the enhancement of mine health and safety procedures, and technology service provider In2IT Technologies CTO Vishal Barapatre says that the Internet of Things (IoT) is “a top choice” in this regard.

He explains that sensor-based feedback was used in mines long before the term IoT had even originated, adding that, as mining and IoT are naturally aligned, “the best way forward for mines would be to start using and implementing it”.

Barapatre says that IoT improves efficiencies and delivers meaningful operational insights, which can further assist in improving safety in dangerous environments.

He says that, by focusing on health and safety, companies can bring IoT’s benefits to the entire vertical of the mine, even its supply chain. “Mining safety is also about better business and creating a smarter mining sector that will continue to support South African growth.”

Additionally, there are many examples of what In2IT Technologies can provide from an IoT perspective such as employee and asset tracking.

Barapatre says tracking employees is invaluable: “When disaster strikes, it is critical to account for all people, as well as establish their whereabouts.”

He points out that, at times, there might be emergencies in disused areas of a mine.

IoT tracking can “reveal these patterns and create active situational awareness of the entire workforce”, Barapatre states.

Meanwhile, asset tracking and monitoring the mining environment are essential, as a mechanical breakdown can halt production and potentially result in injuries or fatalities. There are also immediate dangers, such as the release of gases or unstable ground, and long-term risks from mining-related diseases.

“Mining houses are paying out R5-billion in compensation for silicosis cases that dateback 55 years. Prevention is better than cure. The alternative is a painful class-action lawsuit.”

Further, In2IT Technologies is undertaking projects that are “integrated into nature”, says Barapatre. The company is “solving enterprise resource planning- (ERP-) related issues, along with automation to streamline processes for clients”.

He adds that ERP, when combined with IoT, can create a more holistic view in terms of asset tracking on the ground.

The tracking can start from the time the asset is procured through the procurement process in ERP and throughout the asset’s life cycle. He adds that because the asset is tracked using IoT, all the aspects of the life cycle are tracked automatically in the ERP.

The company is also working on controlling mining operations, as well as announcements through the information technology infrastructure of a mine by further integrating the infrastructure with the Internet protocol telephony devices that can track the environmental conditions on the ground such as fire, humidity and air content explains Barapatre.

He states that, although mining companies are well versed in the benefits of sensors and data, those older systems are “a far cry” from the modern equivalent. There are many new sensor choices and more types of data to harvest, with a robust digital system in the background that collects, collates, packages and distributes the findings.

“IoT dramatically enhances what we can do with sensors, but it also requires a more significant foundation,” he concludes.