Information and communication technology group BCX has partnered with Huawei and MPI to deliver innovative fifth-generation (5G) solutions to the Nungu mine, in Witbank, bringing about enhancements in worker safety and business productivity.

The deployment of the latest 5G-enabled technologies is set to significantly enhance the mine’s operational efficiencies and safety, as it addresses a wide range of challenges faced by the mining industry, says BCX Wireless Solutions managing executive Neo Phukubje.

“The mine has been revolutionised with wireless connectivity, data analytics and automation that enables video monitoring through drone technology, integrated connectivity with handheld devices and tablets and a facial recognition proximity detection system.”

The ecosystem partners, which include Huawei, MPI Holdings, Umnotho Technologies and Dahua, have played a pivotal role in the far-reaching venture.

“The importance placed on the partner ecosystem in the project helped develop vital innovations in safety,” says MPI’s Gert Venter, noting that this includes 5G-enabled proximity alert between two heavy vehicles for collision prevention.

Huawei South Africa Enterprise Division channel department director Frenndy Wang says that, in addition to improved safety and operational efficiency, another differentiator is that 5G allows for artificial intelligence-based real-time data analytics, which is critical to smart mining.

“Data is a valuable asset for miners, enabling data-driven decision-making in the critical mining environment,” he says.

“5G connectivity will make the South African mining sector globally competitive. We are excited about working together with our partners like BCX to drive digital transformation in the mining sector, which is such a crucial industry in the economy.”

The partners are undertaking the project at the Nungu mine in two phases, namely above ground and underground.

In Phase 1, BCX deployed 5G-enabled cameras at critical points at the mine to enable proximity detection, enabled by Internet of Things sensors and digital processing technologies; a stockpiling monitoring system, enabled by footage collected through drones and processed through the digital edge computing systems; in-car connectivity to monitor driver fatigue and collision prevention to minimise the number of incidents and collisions; and a pedestrian protection system, enabling the safety and monitoring of miners on site.

“These technologies are bringing smart mining in South Africa to life, enhancing their ability to monitor the mines on a 24-hour basis, enhancing the security and safety of employees, and increasing productivity, while actively minimising incidents at the mines.”

In Phase 2, the partners will extend connectivity underground to enable a fully connected smart mine that will increase security, supply motion sensors that trigger an alarm, and enables the mine’s control room to monitor underground activity effectively.

“As proven with this launch, wireless technology can be harnessed in powerful ways that make a lasting difference.

“It builds on our confidence and excitement to work in partnership with all industries from finance, aviation and agriculture to healthcare so they too can benefit from becoming 5G-enabled, fully integrated and connected to a new world of infinite possibilities,” concludes Phukubje.