The world is advancing into a fourth industrial age and emerging technologies are powering it. In this article, Viswanathan Ramaswamy, Vice President of 5G & Digital...
Mining: Private 5G key to improving safety, efficiency & productivity
2 mins read
Private 5G networks are a new development that can transform the mining industry, bringing faster, more reliable, and safer connectivity to remote mine sites. In this article, Viswanathan Ramaswamy, Vice President, 5G & Digital Solutions Incubation at Tata Communications, explores the use of private 5G networks in the mining industry, its advantages, and how private 5G technology can improve mining operations.
The mining industry is one of the most important industries in modern civilisation. Employing hundreds of thousands of workers and providing mined materials required for constructing roads and hospitals, building automobiles and houses, making computers and satellites, and even generating electricity. However, due to the tough working conditions in mines, the industry isn’t without its challenges. For instance, miners make up 1% of the global workforce, yet they account for 8% of fatal accidents, according to the International Labour Organisation. This is why implementing the right technology like Private 5G to ensure the safety of miners and the efficiency of the mining process is crucial. What is a private 5G network? Private 5G networks are essentially local area networks (LANs) that use 5G technology to provide high-speed wireless connectivity within a specific area.
For example, sensors can be used to monitor the quality of ore as it’s extracted, allowing miners to adjust their processes in real-time to ensure the highest quality output. Also, when coupled with machine learning (ML) autonomous vehicles will be even more responsive to their surroundings and can be used to transport materials, reducing the need for human intervention. And as a result, improving the efficiency of mining operations. On top of this, having real-time data and insights means mining companies can identify potential safety hazards before they become a problem. For instance, sensors can be used to monitor the air quality in a mine, alerting workers to any potential danger. And autonomous vehicles can also be used to transport materials, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. 2. Another advantage of private 5G networks is the ability to provide high-quality video streaming. In a mining operation, there are often areas that are difficult to access or dangerous for workers."With real-time data and insights, mining companies can optimise their operations, reducing waste and increasing productivity."
For example, miners can use drones to inspect the roof of a mine, providing a detailed view of any potential hazards without putting anyone in danger."With high-quality video streaming, workers can remotely monitor these areas, improving safety and reducing the risk of accidents."

Not to mention the possibility of providing faster, more reliable, and safer connectivity to remote mine sites. But mining companies are ill-equipped to facilitate this transformation on their own. They need to partner with managed service providers – such as Tata Communications – who are able to deploy private 5G networks, along with other connectivity options including managed WiFi, cellular IoT and LP-WAN services. Having the flexibility of a multi-technology approach accompanied by an agnostic outlook to hardware and network equipment, means any combination of equipment can be implemented, without a mining company being tied to a particular vendor. Tata Communications also provides access to command-and-control functions via a cloud-based portal, ensuring that one, or multiple private networks can be implemented, all providing a unified view and control system. To learn more about how Tata Communications helps enterprises in sectors such as mining, click here."While there remain other challenges that leaders in the industry must tackle to make mining safer for workers and their partners, implementing next generation technology such as private 5G networks will optimise mining operations, enhance safety, reduce waste and increasing productivity."
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