NETWORKS & COMMS
( MPW ), a Compact Mobility Unit ( CMU ) and a Radio Access Network ( RAN ) covering a distance of 11.5 km total in length and on eight levels underground . The purpose-built solution has been designed to support the most demanding applications such as predictive maintenance , location services , 3D modelling , advanced analytics , mining automation among other key use cases .
The project ’ s key focus areas include testing and verifying various mining applications , developing future mining services which require full coverage , continuous improvement , innovation , and enabling ecosystems for future digitalisation and development of sustainable solutions .
“ Edzcom and Nokia are the valued partners chosen for this long-term strategic collaboration due to their extensive experience in private wireless networks and their commitment to join us on this journey ahead . Callio recognises the importance of agility and adaptability in today ’ s fast-paced digital landscape . Through this partnership , we are confident in our ability to make dynamic changes that optimise our network infrastructure and propel us towards greater efficiency and innovation ,” said Sakari Nokela , Chief Development Officer at Callio Pyhäjärvi .
“ Nokia and Edzcom are excited to strengthen our partnership and push the boundaries of connectivity with this groundbreaking project , to drive digital transformation across industries . By combining our expertise in leading-edge network solutions with Edzcom ’ s proficiency in private networks and Callio ’ s forward-thinking approach , we are poised to unlock unprecedented possibilities for underground mines ,” said Pekka Hakala , Sales Lead to Private Wireless – Finland at Nokia .
Huawei rolls out 5G at Debswana
On February 28 , 2023 , at the MWC Barcelona 2023 event , Botswana ’ s Debswana and Huawei jointly announced what they hailed as the world ’ s first 5G-oriented smart diamond mine project . Guests included the Hon . Thulagano M . Segokgo , Minister of Communications , Knowledge and Technology of Botswana , Debswana ’ s Head of Information Management Molemisi Nelson Sechaba and Jun Xu , Chief Technology Officer of Huawei Mine BU , who is also the interviewee for a special AI-based large mining model article in this issue .
Debswana ’ s Head of Information Management Molemisi Nelson Sechaba said that the Huaweienabled smart mine solution has been deployed at Debswana ’ s Jwaneng open-pit diamond mine , and the project started operation in December 2021 . Huawei ’ s 4G eLTE private network solution provides stable connectivity for the Jwaneng mine , connecting more than 260 pieces of equipment . This enables interconnection between the mine ’ s production , safety and security systems .
Sechaba said that it is important to deploy the eLTE solution to connect mining equipment more stably . There are two cited reasons for this . The first is efficiency . The ability to transfer data in real time makes equipment like mining vehicles more efficient , increasing yield and reducing long-term OPEX . Second , the solution helped improve safety . Real-time data collection , backhaul , and interaction make the system more sensitive and accurate to provide more reliable protection for staff and vehicles .
The Jwaneng mine is the world ’ s first 5Goriented smart diamond mine . This means the hardware equipment such as base stations used in the mine ’ s digital transformation solution support network upgrades to 5G . 5G features like high bandwidth and low latency can support the application of cutting-edge technologies like autonomous driving , enabling more intelligent digital transformation of the mining industry in the future .
Segokgo , Minister of Communications , Knowledge and Technology of Botswana , stated that the Government of Botswana is pleased to see Debswana and Huawei ’ s joint efforts to drive digital transformation in the mining industry . The statement said : “ Debswana is a leading mining company in Africa that , by working with Huawei , can take the efficiency , productivity and safety of mining to the next level . The Government of Botswana will continue to put in place facilitation measures to further support the digital transformation agenda across all sectors including the mining industry and welcomes international companies , such as Huawei , to participate in this agenda . Measures already underway including formulated digitalisation
Botswana ’ s Debswana and Huawei recently announced what they hailed as the world ’ s first 5G-oriented smart diamond mine project
agenda , 5G roadmap and other supporting policies .”
Jun Xu said that Huawei is committed to using its strengths in ICT technologies like 5G , cloud , AI , and IoT to develop smart mine solutions for customers in the mining industry worldwide .
Liao Yong , Vice President of Huawei Sub- Saharan Africa Region , said over the past five years , Huawei has provided services to mining enterprises in a number of countries in the region , including South Africa , Botswana , Zambia , Namibia , and Ghana . Looking to the future , Huawei will work with more local partners to accelerate mining digital transformation and create more value in Africa .
According to Debswana , building on the success of the project in the Jwaneng mine deployed together with Huawei and Botswana local companies , in line with Botswana ’ s citizen economic empowerment program , the company plans to also deploy the smart mining solution in its Orapa , Damtshaa , and Letlhakane mines in 2023 .
Ericsson partners with Comsol in South Africa
Ericsson signed a reseller agreement with Comsol at the same event in Barcelona , Spain to provide the Ericsson Private 5G solution that will enable Comsol to expand its enterprise business within South Africa ’ s mining industry . With Ericsson ’ s high-end connectivity solution and Comsol ’ s expertise in mining and systems integration , it says this collaboration is set to help the nation ’ s mining industry improve worker safety , increase operational efficiency , and realise its sustainability goals .
70 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2023