Cost-Benefit Analyses are showing that Private 5G networks offer a compelling – and continually growing – value proposition for mines.
This is according to Gary Woolley, Executive: Private Networks at Comsol, who says that while Private 5G is still cutting-edge technology just starting to make its presence known in mining, it is already demonstrating clear value. An Ericsson report found that a 5G-enabled smart mining can deliver an ROI of 207% in ten years in surface mines, and 256% ROI in underground mines. With five high-value use cases deployed simultaneously, complete payback was achieved in just three years.
Woolley says Comsol, with a track record of connecting mines for over 20 years, sees Private 5G as a game-changer and is pioneering the technology in South African mines. “Globally, it is taking off and the device ecosystem is growing – for example, we have just tested the latest iPhones and some Android devices that run on 5G. We are also seeing more use cases and Proof of Concepts.”
“Private 5G offers the range, performance, reliability and security mines need. As the 5G device ecosystem grows and the number of applications and use cases increase, the benefits 5G offers will increase exponentially,” he says.
Why licensed Private 5G
Private 5G gives the mine its own, secure 5G network, with the ability to manage and prioritise network traffic and restrict access, Woolley explains. With a range extending kilometres, a Private 5G network delivers high-speed, high-quality connectivity across a large mining site, eliminating the need for multiple niche networks.
“Many mines still have multiple networks catering for different use cases, for example low-capacity sensor networks to detect tremors or hazardous gases, a dedicated network for surveillance, and Wi-Fi for voice and video. With Private 5G, you can replace all these networks with one secure, high-capacity network that requires fewer access points and allows you to prioritise certain mission critical areas as needed.”
Unlike consumer-grade 5G, Private 5G offers mines a robust, secure, SIM-based network with full control. Woolley says: “A Private 5G network with a core residing on-site mitigates any risks of a breakout to the cloud, and works hand in hand with mine cyber security policies.”
Private 5G also enables voice and video in areas where it was previously impossible.
Says Woolley: “In an open pit around 3km wide, 2km long and up to 200 metres deep, you won’t get a GSM signal everywhere in the pit. We see some areas where communication isn’t possible – workers can’t make a voice or video call because there’s no coverage. They might have to use analogue two-way handsets, which means you need another network to cater for it, and you can’t run video. With Private 5G, you can enable voice and video everywhere, connecting workers and vehicles. This improves efficiencies and safety, and reduces costs. It also enables mining 4.0 applications like augmented reality, virtual reality and digital twinning.”
Expanding use cases
Woolley says current use cases for 5G networks include autonomous vehicles and machinery, real-time condition and safety monitoring, remote controlled equipment, IoT networks, smart controls and drone inspections.
“There are significant cost savings and productivity benefits to be achieved in these areas, but the value doesn’t stop here,” he says. “The occupational health and safety benefits of being able to track and communicate with every employee everywhere on the mine are huge.”
“Being able to connect an employee via voice and video to a supervisor or equipment specialist can slash the time needed to carry out repairs. With high-performance network access, everywhere on a site, mines can reduce the number of highly skilled workers needed and take employees out of hazardous environments. You could have one skilled worker remotely controlling a drill underground, for example. With the skilled workers sitting at their laptops putting more junior people through processes, mines can also reduce their fleets and fuel consumption. They can increase productivity and reduce the cost of harm, building on the mining 4.0 concept.”
“Private 5G gives mines one robust network that caters for everything. It gives mines the transport layer they need to run any mining 4.0 application, and enables data everywhere for analysis and ongoing efficiencies,” Woolley says.
