Digital transformation is set to happen to the mining sector in South Africa, and in the coming years, it looks to remain competitive in the global mineral and resources space.
Two South African mines, Canyon Coal, which is trading as Miniandante Mining company and Minetec Smart Mining, are going digital to lead the sector into the fourth and fifth industrial revolution after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MTN Business and Huawei Technologies South Africa, to supply 5G equipment and connectivity.
Digitising Mining with 5G Technologies
The newly formed cooperation, according to MTN, is a game-changer that will disrupt traditional mining processes.
The agreement will allow MTN Business and Huawei to supply 5G equipment and connectivity throughout the mining areas to provide high-speed 5G broadband access and security assurance. Once completed, participants will have taken an enormous step forward in the local industry’s digitalisation.
The use of digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), big data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), in their current and future forms, is becoming increasingly crucial to mining success.
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As the world moves toward the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions, 5G technology will become increasingly important in ensuring that businesses maintain a competitive advantage.
It will effectively demonstrate how several emerging technologies, such as ore screening, mining equipment automation, transmission equipment automation, and underground safety, can be combined with 5G to improve functionality across the mines.
This advancement is increasingly vital as South Africa works towards remaining competitive in the global mineral and resources space.
Tech, The Future of South Africa’s Mining Sector
Statistics from the South African Department of Mineral Resources and the US Geological Survey indicate that South Africa possesses ore reserves amounting to a value of more than US$2.5 trillion. Meanwhile, South Africa is currently ranked 5th internationally in terms of mining contribution to GDP, according to a report from Wits University.
The report highlighted why South Africa needs a competitive minerals industry. This will only be possible if science and technology plays the quintessential role of changing the cost and exploitation horizons of the sector — says the report,
Wanda Matandela, Chief Enterprise Officer at MTN Business, says, “The mining industry is at the crossroads of significant technological changes. At MTN Business, we are excited to be playing a leading role in this space by using our world-class network and systems to promote the growth and sustainability of our enterprise customers.”
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“We have invested over R50bn in modernising our network for the past five years; this investment has put MTN in a greater position to offer cutting edge, faster and seamless connectivity to its customers.”
“The cooperation with SA mining companies will see all parties involved reaping the benefits of our best network,” Matandela added.
Huawei SA CEO Spawn Fan also stated, “As a global leader in 5G, Huawei is proud to be part of this pioneering partnership with MTN, Miniandante Mining and Minetec Smart Mining to bring the true benefit of digital solutions to the mining sector. 5G connectivity will make the South African mining sector globally competitive. It is an enabler for digital transformation, improving operational efficiency and mine safety and security.”
The digital era has opened up a world of endless possibilities and opportunities, businesses and countries can maximise efficiency and work smarter with more and more digital solutions available in the market. South Africa is quick to recognize the rapid effect of technology to drive success in its local industry.
