OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
CREATING THE CONNECTED MINE
Jaime Laguna on connecting mining operations using integrated industrialised devices
T
he case for the connected mine is a compelling one. Mining companies are coming under rising pressure to reduce costs, improve productivity,
comply with increasingly sharpened regulatory requirements and adopt more sustainable practices. Many are turning to digitalisation, leveraging connected sensors, vehicles and machinery to help them achieve these goals. Tis will allow them to unlock the value of their operational data and take advantage of Industry 4.0 capabilities such as automated/tele-remote operations, artificial intelligence (AI), real-time situational awareness and data analytics. Private wireless 4G/LTE and 5G
networks enable these digitalisation efforts – providing a foundation for secure, robust and pervasive connectivity in remote locations where public wireless networks are unavailable. Offering greater predictability and reliability than other enterprise wireless and proprietary technologies, these networks provide better coverage along the extensive tunnel systems and confined spaces of underground mines, as well as the breadth of coverage required to connect vast mining operations above ground. Tis is why mine operators are looking to end-to-end networking solutions that
meet their distinct connectivity needs, while using robust devices designed to withstand the harsh conditions in and around a mine site. Dust, moisture, extreme temperatures, changing topology, as well as shock and vibration from blasting activities all put the infrastructure continuously to the test.
CONNECTING EQUIPMENT TO THE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK Many digitalisation projects are currently taking place that demonstrate the benefits of critical connectivity in working mining environments. Vehicles and machines are equipped with integrated industrial field routers that connect them reliably to the 4.9G/LTE or 5G network, ensuring constant readiness and availability for data transfer. One use case for safer and more
productive connected mining is autonomous operations. Global heavy equipment manufacturer, Komatsu, was a pioneer in deploying its autonomous haulage systems (AHS) on private LTE networks. Te company has demonstrated how private wireless is increasing the productivity and efficiency of its truck fleets. Private cellular networks offer the industrial-grade robustness, high capacity
Handheld devices need to support mission-critical comms technologies
and low latency required for such operations. Tey support pervasive coverage for the delivery of real-time, high-definition video feeds and sensor data that Wi-Fi can’t achieve, allowing operators to remotely halt and begin work in an instant.
Wireless 4.9G/LTE or 5G networks provide better coverage in underground mines
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RELIABLE AND ROBUST INDUSTRIAL FIELD ROUTER CONNECTIVITY Ruggedised routers and dongles provide interoperability between the network and industrial equipment. Mining companies have made significant investments in trucks, loaders, haulers, diggers and other equipment. Embedded robust field routers with hardened casings, and high IP ratings connect them reliably to private wireless networks in harsh conditions. Private wireless access points cover much larger areas, with more pervasive connectivity than Wi-Fi access points where the configuration is more sensitive to the effects of blasts and the coverage is
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