This month we have seen the local 5G spectrum auction concluded and ICASA raking it quite a bit of money. While we do not have timeframes on when operators will be able to rollout their respective 5G connectivity, it already looks like Mintec Smart Mining wants to ensure it is taken care of.
This as Mintec Smart Mining has announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with MTN and Huawei Technologies for 5G-enabled equipment and connectivity down the line.
“The agreement will allow MTN Business and Huawei to provide 5G equipment and connectivity and aims to provide high-speed 5G broadband access and security assurance throughout the mining areas,” explains the carrier in a press release sent to Hypertext.
“Once complete, the mining participants will mark a significant step forward in the digital transformation of the local mining industry. It will effectively demonstrate how several emerging technologies can be combined with 5G to improve functions across the mines, including ore screening, mining equipment automation, transmission equipment automation, and underground safety,” it adds.
It is the automation and safety elements mentioned above that will likely interest people the most, as the use of greater technology solutions in mining has proved divisive to date, especially when it comes to reskilling current workers and job security moving forward.
“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,” notes Wanda Matandela, CEO at MTN Business regarding the MoU.
“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 partnership with mining companies will see all parties involved reaping the benefits of our best network,” adds Matandela.
We hope that is indeed the case as much has been made of 5G and its capabilities as an enabler of IoT and 4IR.
[Image – Photo by Ivan Bandura on Unsplash]
