WORLD PROSPECTS
Nokia and Sedna partner on private LTE for Africa
The agreement will see market-leading Nokia private LTE networks installed and supported “ to deliver safer , more efficient , and productive solutions in operational areas . Sedna will assist in the solution design and identification of a suitable device ecosystem .” The deal will leverage Sedna ’ s strong regional presence and mining know-how . Sedna and Nokia will also together work on a spectrum strategy for bespoke customer use cases .
Sedna , a mining facing solution integrator , started operations in 2006 with the focus on scoping , sourcing , installing , and supporting enabling OT network technologies . Their vision is to give business leaders the confidence to make mission critical decisions based on real time , system extracted information ; and leverage their
knowledge of mining operational areas to deliver engineered solutions safely and predictably . The group has active operations on three continents and works with both global and regional mining houses .
A statement provided to IM said that the success of Sedna ’ s African business “ can be attributed to the unwavering focus on industrial customers and addressing their challenges . They have worked with most large miners across the majority of resources to add value to their respective OT environments . These engagements focus on the simple principles of standing up enabling technology networks , managing , and supporting the production systems , integrating data outputs , and presenting this information to the organisation ’ s decision makers .” Nokia has already deployed more than 65 private wireless mining networks with over 35 mining companies worldwide . Sedna installed Africa ’ s first licensed spectrum private LTE network in South Africa as well as Africa ’ s first underground leaky feeder licensed spectrum private LTE network . www . nokia . com / networks / industries / mining ; www . sedna . net
Sandvik and Redpath tackle UG mine safety and profitability
Sandvik and Redpath are aiming to improve safety and reduce underground mining costs through technology advancements , innovation , continuous improvement projects and standardised best practices under a newly-signed agreement guided by operational and relationship key performance indicators . The five-year agreement includes Sandvik commitments on local presence and support , as well as an annual technology summit and factory training sessions . It will also standardise the use of equipment , leading to cost reductions and safety enhancements , the companies said .
“ Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions has long been a valued supplier of underground mining solutions to our global operations ,” George Flumerfelt , CEO of The Redpath Group , said . “ This mutually beneficial cooperation will help ensure Sandvik provides the same service experience and quality , independently of the geographic location
and size of Redpath operations .”
Mats Eriksson , President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions , added : “ This agreement underlines the trust we have in our long-term relationship and further strengthens our good partnership with Redpath . Closer collaboration with Redpath ’ s business will enable us to deliver on expectations and optimise our product development .”
The two companies have worked on many underground mining projects together in the past and , last year , Redpath became the first company to receive and operate a Sandvik DD212 production drill in Australia , putting it into action at Silver Lake Resources ’ Rothsay gold mine in Western Australia . www . rocktechnology . sandvik ; www . redpathmining . com
Worley receives PM & EPCM work at Woodsmith
Engineering firm Worley has been awarded a contract for program management services and engineering , procurement and construction management
( EPCM ) to support Anglo American ’ s
Woodsmith project in the UK , the mining company has confirmed .
Worley , in tandem with other contractors , is being tasked with delivering a polyhalite mine for its client Anglo American .
The project includes the sinking of production and service shafts with 6.75-m diameters – having depths of 1,594 m and 1,565 m , respectively – and a 37-km-long concrete-
|
lined tunnel containing a conveyor belt , to transport the polyhalite ore from Woodsmith mine , near Whitby , to the Mineral Handling |
Facility , on Teesside , for processing and shipping .
In Anglo American ’ s half-year 2022 results , the company outlined that major critical path components had continued to progress to its updated plan at Woodsmith .
“[ Our ] ongoing technical review confirmed there are several improvements to modify design to bring it up to Anglo American ’ s safety and operating integrity standards and optimise value for the long term ,” it said .
The company acquired Woodsmith when it took over Sirius Minerals in 2020 . www . angloamerican . com ; www . worley . com
|
6 International Mining | JANUARY 2023