Efficiencies delivered through new technology can protect mining jobs

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IBG - SA Instrumentation & Control Buyers' Guide

March 2018 News

The new technologies unfolding in the Fourth Industrial Revolution can drive the advancement of one of the oldest industries in South Africa – mining – and make a critical contribution to improved efficiency, which in turn, will protect jobs in this labour intensive sector.

IoT.nxt’s Terje Moen (left) and Eric Croeser in the demonstration area.

“Using IoT technology provides mines with an interoperable data platform that can use legacy and non-legacy equipment to drive system efficiency,” said Eric Croeser, IoT.nxt director of partnerships: mining. “This leads to the improved overall efficiency of a mine, reducing operational costs, increasing operating margins and profitability, and ultimately protecting jobs and the lifespan of a mining operation.”

IoT.nxt partnered with global consulting powerhouse Deloitte, in association with enterprise resource planning company MineRP, to introduce its strategies and innovative technologies for the mining industry at the African Mining Indaba, the world’s biggest annual mining business event, hosted in Cape Town during February.

“Digitalisation is one of the key themes of the 2018 Mining Indaba as the industry looks at new and innovative ways to improve its operations and ultimately profitability,” added Croeser. “Despite job losses during 2017, the mining industry remains a large employer in South Africa and continues to make a notable contribution to GDP.”

During the Indaba, IoT.nxt and Deloitte set up a live mining operation at Deloitte’s Greenhouse in Cape Town to provide actual demonstrations of how IoT technology is implemented across an entire mine. “A shift manager manages four inputs: people, materials, work areas and machines,” explainrd Croeser. “Previously, responses to change in any of these elements were reactive. Using IoT strategies and solutions makes it possible to be proactive, and assess and adapt as situations change. This makes the entire operation more efficient and mine management have actionable information available in real-time through shortening the time for data aggregation and orchestration.”

A concern for mining companies, and most other industries considering the introduction of new technology, is whether existing systems and machines can be integrated into a new platform. “IoT.nxt’s innovation has made interoperability possible, which means it is not necessary to replace any older technology, thus delivering significant business value,” concludes Croeser. “South Africa operates some of the oldest mines in the world and faces additional challenges as many of them operate deep underground. Not only will the use of new technology make even these older mines more efficient, it will also improve safety, which will always be a major concern.”

For more information contact Daleen van Wyk, IoT.nxt, +27 (0)83 302 0827, daleen.vanwyk@iotnxt.com, www.iot.nxt.com

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