NETWORKS & COMMS
Robust , ready and reliant
As they automate and digitalise , and as more workers move offsite to remote ops centres , both surface and underground mines are increasingly reliant on networks with high redundancy , low latency and around the clock reliability . Paul Moore reports
The latest private network connectivity is often associated with remote control capability or autonomous equipment thanks in particular to low latency . But this also has a potential impact on safety as well . This has motivated Draeger Safety Canada , Ltd and Ambra Solutions to join forces to implement the first true real-time gas detection solution for underground mines .
Ambra ’ s private 5G / LTE network creates a fully connectable environment , enabling the connection of Draeger ’ s products anywhere , including in open-pit and underground mines , and even on moving assets . Draeger ’ s portable gas monitoring products , such as the X-am ® multi-gas detector and Pac ® series single gas detectors , can transfer data directly via Bluetooth and are widely used in a variety of missioncritical environments . In mines , the data is commonly gathered through fixed devices analysed once a day . This innovative change in mining operations helps to further advance Ambra ’ s solutions by enabling communications , asset-tracking , remote-operation , automation , and real-time positioning .
Eric L ’ Heureux , Ambra Founder and CEO told IM : “ This partnership with Draeger is a great example of how we are widening the network ecosystem with a safety related use case with one of the global leaders in mine safety technology and solutions . This specific example relates to gas monitoring but going forward it will be joined by other devices that people will wear , for example to provide the real time health status of workers – so this is just the beginning .”
L ' Heureux adds : “ The disruptive element here is the fact that up to now , gas and air monitoring sensors in mines have largely been fixed , reporting data via fixed network infrastructure . If they are portable , the data is downloaded at the end of the shift via a docking station . But it has not been possible to say where exactly was that worker at the time they encountered high gas levels . With this real time technology , we can definitively say the gas levels were seen at a specific place in the mine – so that means we can also map the gas levels in the mine in 3D using our iPS interface , and noone else in the industry is doing this right now . We can even be proactive and send automatic warning alerts to other
Edzcom has been the long-term partner designing , building and operating the private 4.9G / LTE wireless connectivity in Boliden Kevitsa , using Nokia industrial-grade private wireless technology
workers in that area that there are high gas levels . You could also turn on specific gas related coloured warning lights if that technology has been set up .”
It is currently being applied in underground mining but L ’ Heureux says it could equally be used in the concentrator plant as well . Underground , as Ambra ’ s connectivity goes all the way to the active face , workers in this area are also well aware of changing gas conditions . In an evac situation as all the workers can also all be seen in their real time positions thanks to tags
Real-time gas-monitoring mapping in an underground mine using a Draeger X-am ® 2800 monitor and an Ambra 4G LTE network
66 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2023