Capital Equipment News September 2019

5G NETWORK

Is 5G the key to unlocking mining autonomy?

T he adoption of fifth generation network, better known as 5G, will drive new expectations for an always-on, high performing network and services, which will enable many organisations to embrace automation. This is especially true for an industry like mining, where automation will allow operations to take people out of harm’s way, given the industry’s quest for Zero Harm by 2020. Equally important will be the increased uptime, considering the industry’s drive for improved productivity against a background of depleting ores. As with its predecessor 4G, 5G was developed in a direct response to the growing number of mobile devices seeking an internet connection; however, today it’s no longer just about connected phones or tablets. The rise of 5G coincides with the explosion of connected devices and systems associated with the Internet of Things (IoT).

As industrial collaborations in the development of fifth generation network continue apace, will 5G unlock the mining industry’s quest for zero accidents

and zero unplanned stops through automation? By Munesu Shoko.

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