OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
incident occur, real-time alerts enable rapid response, potentially saving lives. IoT tracking technology enhances
this by creating a connected safety net across the site. Real-time location tracking ensures that no worker goes unaccounted for, especially in expansive areas or other operations where isolation is a significant risk. This system provides instant visibility of every team member’s whereabouts, allowing for swift coordination in emergencies, such as evacuations or accidents.
ARE WE READY FOR FULL-SCALE ADOPTION? Though the mining industry holds bright prospects for digitisation, the road to full-scale IoT deployment has been anything but smooth. While many companies pursue digitisation to boost efficiencies and reduce costs, a notable number also see it as merely a way to improve safety and ESG
performance. And so despite these promising beginnings, extending IoT across the entire enterprise remains an uphill battle. According to research by satellite service provider Inmarsat, only a fraction of the mining firms that trial IoT technologies successfully scale them throughout their operations. Common barriers include limited capital, interoperability challenges, inadequate digital skills, and, most critically, inconsistent connectivity.
BREAKING THE BARRIERS The good news is that these teething problems are not insurmountable. By collaborating with a strategic partner that invests in the right combination of next-generation satellite and terrestrial connectivity infrastructure, while employing a phased technology roll-out, companies can overcome the unreliable network issues that have hitherto hindered progress. Couple
Choosing modular IoT solutions helps prevent technological lock-in
that with an investment into digital skills and training – which may involve upskilling staff, certifications and on-the-job learning opportunities – and you’re on track to build a digital mine of the future set within a culture of continuous learning and innovation. The mining environment typically
involves a mix of legacy equipment and modern IoT devices, creating a patchwork of technology that must work in concert. And while interoperability and integration challenges may occur during the infant stage of a mine’s digitisation, open standards and scalable platforms can allow diverse systems and devices to communicate effectively. By choosing IoT solutions that are modular and easily integrated with existing infrastructure, mining operations can avoid technological lock-in and reduce complexity. The possibilities of IoT in mining
are vast, with potential strategies emerging to overcome persistent challenges. For instance, a remote mining operation could partner with a connectivity provider to establish a multi-network solution. By deploying a combination of satellite and cellular connections, such a mine might achieve a continuous data flow from its machinery and environmental sensors without interruption. This seamless integration opens the door to enhanced predictive maintenance strategies that significantly reduce downtime while enhancing safety monitoring of tailings storage and surrounding ecosystems.
The mining environment typically involves a mix of legacy
equipment and modern IoT devices, creating a patchwork of technology that must work in concert
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THE PATH FORWARD The future of mining hinges on a bold digital transformation. Embracing IoT at scale, backed by resilient connectivity and a culture ready for change, will redefine the industry. With strategic investments in infrastructure and skills, mines will rapidly shift from proof-of-concept to full deployment. As next-generation satellite constellations mature and IoT platforms advance, the entire industry is gearing up for a transformative revolution.
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