06 July 2023

Huawei has partnered with four mines in Southern Africa to bring 5G-enabled technology solutions. The advancements mean that 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: Phalanndwa Colliery in Mpumalanga province; Nungu Mine, Mpumalanga; and Zijin Platinum in Limpopo. It is also working with Botswana’s diamond producer, Debswana.

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. “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.”

Huawei’s technology has also been used by BCX 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. 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.

According to Huawei South Africa enterprise division channel department director Frenndy Wang, 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.

Meanwhile, the partnership between Huawei, 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. 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 solutions president Peng Song.

Huawei and Botswana diamond producer Debswana have also recently 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.