OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT I
n recent years, the global mining industry has experienced an upswing in the commodity cycle, with relatively stable or rising
prices. While not yet at the dizzying heights of some super cycles of the past, a sense of cautious optimism has returned. Lessons from the leaner years, when debt accrued and shareholders demanded greater returns, have resulted in stronger fi nancial discipline and steadier attitudes across the sector. Today, the industry appears well placed to withstand challenges such as geopolitical instability, as well as the lingering eff ects of Covid-19 on global supply chains. At the same time, however, another
fundamental shift is taking shape: the rapid digitisation of mining. Although the sector is often portrayed as conservative and slow to innovate, recent research [1] shows that most mining businesses have either trialled or deployed IoT-based solutions. Yet for all the excitement, many
IoT initiatives stall at the proof-of- concept stage. According to Alastair MacLeod, CEO of Ground Control, a tech company that uses satellite and cellular technology to connect people and things, “the greatest barrier to success is connectivity.” Here, he explains more. Stable, continuous data transfer
is crucial for fully realising IoT’s potential in mining. Yet in remote regions, conventional networks - be they cable, radio or cellular – can be patchy or non-existent. Historically, satellite alternatives have also been limited by uneven coverage and variable speeds. However, next- generation constellations are now reshaping the satellite landscape, promising greater reliability and more consistent performance, even in the harshest locations. Furthermore, options are now
available to utilise networks that bridge satellite and cellular networks, helping to maintain secure data fl ows under diff icult conditions. From early-warning sensors and automated equipment to health and safety wearables, the ability to continuously capture and transmit local sensor readings ensures they can be shared and analysed in real time, no matter where operations take place.
Sensors, automated equipment and wearables will all benefi t from IoT connectivity
THE BENEFITS OF ROBUST CONNECTIVITY Imagine mines where real-time, robust data is the driving force behind every decision - transforming operations from reactive to predictive. This is a possibility since advanced IoT systems monitor equipment performance continuously, identifying potential maintenance needs long before a breakdown occurs and reducing costly unplanned downtime. Energy usage is optimised through intelligent systems that adapt to demand, minimising waste and lowering operational costs. Supply chains, often burdened by ineff iciencies, are streamlined as data-driven insights enable precise inventory management, timely resource allocation, and improved logistics coordination. The result are mining operations that are leaner,
more eff icient, and better positioned to maximise profi ts in an industry where margins are under constant pressure. These advanced capabilities not only enhance productivity but also create a resilient operational model capable of adapting to changing market demands and environmental challenges.
SAFETY FIRST But this isn’t just about eff iciency and logistics. Connectivity is rewriting the rulebook on many levels. Take worker welfare, for example. Now, IoT-powered wearables, such as smart helmets and health trackers, are revolutionising safety in remote and hazardous environments. These devices continuously monitor workers’ locations, vital signs, and exposure to dangerous conditions like toxic gases or extreme temperatures. Should an
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