Modern Mining November 2020

The adoption of personnel and asset tracking tech- nology is on the rise and will address one of the most important challenges the industry faces. However, it must be backed by connectivity that can overcome the most extreme conditions – ensuring that person- nel can be kept safe when performing day-to-day operations and that assets can be protected. Harnessing and deploying a robust and reliable wireless infrastructure can also provide real-time data on the mine’s assets health and performance directly to the command centre. This can include all information such as production levels, current locations of equipment and vehicles, a vehicle’s operating parameters, and any faults in the network. This sees an increase in visibility across a mining operators’ assets, equipment, and staff and keeps mining production moving. Rajant’s helping hand Mining operators must take great care when select- ing their wireless network, and flexible ‘mesh’ networks can prove to be a true game-changer for productivity and efficiency. A mesh network con- sists of devices (known as nodes) that can transmit and receive data autonomously, which are fitted to machines and people in a network comprised of hundreds of similar nodes that can all seamlessly communicate with one another. With the ability to

Mines will struggle to meet production targets if the network has too much downtime or cannot support the functioning of critical applications. The industry is consistently vying for more effective and efficient methods to boost productivity levels and ensure that personnel safety is optimised. Unbroken connectivity for worker safety Mines require wireless networks that provide proven, dependable, mission-critical connectivity and that have a high level of resilience that can adapt to a diverse array of topographies, particularly in remote areas, without any downtime. Being connected in all corners of the mine is essential for people work- ing underground and their support teams, so that there can be swift and instant communication in emergencies. Mining corporations must have the visibility and awareness of employees’ various locations and sta- tus to maximise safety, especially when operating hazardous equipment. Therefore, individuals can focus on the task at hand, while their wellbeing is being monitored. With the tracking equipment, staff can identify potential hazards and risks ahead of time to avoid employees being placed in dangerous situ- ations. With real-time asset monitoring of machinery, support staff can anticipate maintenance to prevent failure or downtime.

To meet the fierce demand for modern mining, the industry is determined to harness and deploy digital technologies that will enable them to build the mines of tomorrow.

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