White Paper - Enabling A Reliable and Efficient Communication Infrastructure For Mining
White Paper - Enabling A Reliable and Efficient Communication Infrastructure For Mining
White Paper - Enabling A Reliable and Efficient Communication Infrastructure For Mining
Introduction
The Indian mining industry has long been in need of a reliable, high-bandwidth, and ultra-low latency communication infrastructure. In the face of growing
geopolitical tensions where mineral resources have become a focal point for conflicts, it is imperative for India to address this need. This whitepaper
outlines the major drivers behind the need for such a communication infrastructure and explores the potential of private 5G networks as a comprehensive
solution. Additionally, it provides a step-by-step approach for the adoption of private 5G networks in the Indian mining industry, highlighting their
numerous benefits and potential applications.
1|Page
Challenges 5. Compliance: The mining industry is subject to several regulations and
compliance requirements. Good connectivity solutions can help mining
This section highlights the major factors behind the need for a robust
companies comply with these regulations by enabling real-time monitoring of
communication system that would be a key enabler for the digitization of the
environmental impacts, worker safety and other factors that impact compliance.
mines.
Current Communication Landscape
1. Remote locations: Many mining sites in India are located in remote areas
where access to essential infrastructure and resources is limited. Good An examination of multiple mines in India reveals a reliance on various
connectivity solutions, such as high-speed internet, time sensitive communication channels, such as two-way radio systems, wireless mesh
communication and reliable mobile networks, can help bridge this gap networks, fibre optics, satellite communications, WIFI, LoRa and more. However,
by enabling real-time data exchange between different stakeholders none of these systems provide a comprehensive solution to meet the growing
involved in mining operations. communication needs of the mining industry.
2. Safety: Mining is a hazardous industry that involves several risks to the
safety of workers. Good connectivity solutions can help improve safety Private 5G Networks
by enabling real-time monitoring of mining operations, providing access Private 5G networks offer immense potential for addressing the communication
to emergency services in case of accidents, and facilitating quick challenges in the mining industry. While India is yet to demonstrate a successful
communication between workers, supervisors and management. pilot, the effectiveness of private 5G networks has been proven in various parts
3. Efficiency: Mining operations involve complex processes that require of the world. Multiple mines, such as China Molybdenum, Boliden, LKAB, and
coordination between different teams and departments. Good K+S has done successful implementations of Private 5G networks, and
connectivity solutions will improve efficiency by enabling seamless showcasing its benefits in remote equipment control, real-time monitoring,
communication, data sharing, and collaboration between different autonomous mining operation, video surveillance and safety applications.
stakeholders involved in mining operations.
4. Resource Optimization: Seamless communication will optimize the use Adopting Private 5G for Indian Mining
of resources such as fuel, machinery and personnel. By enabling real- Although cost and spectrum management complexities pose challenges, a
time monitoring and data analysis, mining companies can identify comprehensive solution can be achieved by integrating 5G communication
inefficiencies and take corrective action quickly, leading to significant infrastructure, customized data acquisition units (DAW), AI/ML analytics, and
cost savings. edge/cloud platforms. The paper emphasizes the need for a private 5G network
to create horizontal and vertical solutions tailored to Mining 4.0 requirements.
2|Page
Private 5G Solution Architecture for Mining
3|Page
Step-by-Step Approach smart assignment of trucks to mine shovels and extraction units,
keeping in view the loading and unloading points. This would help
The whitepaper proposes a step-by-step approach for the adoption of private
reduce the fuel consumption which presently accounts to almost 70%
5G networks in the Indian mining industry: of mining operating costs. Various other use cases can be built on top of
Surveillance and monitoring systems.
• Establishing a Strong Communication Structure
Private 5G networks, operating on the 5G spectrum, provide tailored
• Teleoperation Use Case
benefits to the mining industry. 5G Radio Access Network (RAN),
Teleoperation refers to operation from a distance. It involves use of
wireless backhaul infrastructure, 5G Standalone Core along-with an
strong communication network and actuating equipment through use
edge computing infrastructure can contribute to reliable and high-
of sensors, actuators and motors. Remote control through RF and cables
bandwidth wireless connectivity, efficient data transmission, and real-
are already an established technologies for teleoperation for at least
time decision-making.
vehicles and power systems. Recently, few of the Heavy Earth Moving
• Surveillance and Monitoring Use Case Machineries (HEMM) have started demonstrating capabilities of
A wide variety of surveillance and monitoring use case need to teleoperation and remote operations. Such technologies help in better
established involving GNSS, fixed and mobile cameras, Drones and efficiency of operations as well as better control. A Private 5G
hand-held devices. This would lead to more efficient monitoring of the communication network would help in a true automation of HEMMs to
remote areas of the mines. A low latency and high data speed be remotely operated at a safe distance from the hazardous mining
connectivity would ensure truly real time monitoring of the mines, and surfaces, where the equipment is generally used.
generation of reports with ultra-high resolutions maps and 3D models
will help the miners for effective surveillance, assist in mine planning
and design and compliance management. • Analytics for Teleoperation
Analytics of Teleoperation starts with study of various equipment
• Analytics parameters such as engine characteristics, state of hydraulics, stress-
Analytical engines like AI/ML, neural networks etc. are used to help in strain patterns of structures, sound/vibration/heat patterns of moving
decision making for the mining engineers and managers like whether parts etc. Data analytics and science can then be used to find out the
current mining operations is in line to already approved mine plans and optimized operating characteristics for increased efficiency of the
design, adherence to the compliance needs, monitoring of mine equipment. Normally such analytics is done both on edge devices as
operations etc. Solutions like Intelligent cameras would assist in well as central processing unit. However, technological and costs
identifying cases of mis-conduct, unsafe activities, loitering, lack of PPE limitation have increasingly suggested shift towards a central processing
etc. Objection detection models can be used to provide real time alerts unit which can be on-premise as well as on cloud. Private 5G networks
which would help minimize accidents due to over-speeding, collision can enable remote monitoring of equipment health, allowing
etc. which accounts for more than 30% of present accidents in mines. maintenance personnel to identify potential issues before they become
Fleet management systems can be augmented to provide real time
4|Page
major problems. This can help reduce downtime and improve the
efficiency of mining operations. Remote control of mining equipment 5. Compliance Management: Compliances can be modelled into the
can help improve safety, efficiency and productivity in the mining automation rules for the operations. These would help mining companies to
industry, while reducing costs and enhancing overall operational protect from several instance of penalties levied by statutory organizations.
performance.
2. Improved Safety: Mining 4.0 technologies can enhance safety by reducing “I am excited to work in collaboration with TEXMiN to showcase the
the risk of accidents and injuries. For example, sensors can monitor the immense potential of private 5G networks in revolutionizing the Indian
health of equipment and advanced analytics can predict potential failures
mining industry. By enabling a reliable and efficient communication
before they occur. Autonomous vehicles can also reduce the need for
personnel to work in hazardous environments. infrastructure, we are paving the way for enhanced safety, increased
efficiency, and transformative automation in mining operations. Together,
3. Enhanced Sustainability: Mining 4.0 can help improve sustainability by we are driving the industry forward into a new era of technological
opportunities.”
reducing energy consumption, reducing waste and improving resource
advancements and unparalleled says Abhijit
efficiency. Advanced analytics can optimize the use of resources and
automation can reduce the environmental impact of mining operations. Chaudhary, Founder & CEO, Niral Networks
5|Page
Conclusion
The implementation of a private 5G network in mining operations establishes a robust communication structure, facilitating enhanced safety, increased
efficiency, improved automation, IoT connectivity and scalability. By harnessing private 5G networks, the mining industry can achieve significant
improvements in productivity, safety and overall operational performance. The step-by-step approach outlined in this paper provides a roadmap for the
adoption of private 5G networks, including the integration of surveillance and monitoring, analytics, teleoperation and full automation. The potential
benefits of this digital transformation underscore the importance of embracing advanced communication technologies to drive the mining industry
forward.
6|Page
TEXMiN
TEXMiN Intelligent Tracking system can run on Private 5G Network giving its users localized information on positioning at an accuracy level much higher than traditional
GNSS based tracking. Another solution by TEXMiN on creating mine maps using Holographic Systems and drone data processing can come on near-Real-time mode,
given the high uplink and downlink speed provided by 5G communication Technology. texmin.in
Niral Networks
Niral Networks offers private 5G solutions that empower enterprises to harness the full potential of 5G technology. Our comprehensive suite of services, including
network design, deployment, and management, enables organizations to build secure and reliable 5G networks tailored to their unique needs. With NiralOS, enterprises
can unlock the benefits of 5G, such as ultra-fast data transfer, low latency, and enhanced connectivity, to drive innovation and growth while maintaining full control
over their network infrastructure.
NiralOS is a modular Network Operating System (NOS) that runs on Commodity hardware and is integrated with multiple 5G radios and 3rd party edge applications. It
provides a single dashboard for simplifying the management of network operations and edge applications. Overall, it improves the enterprise operational effectiveness.
niralnetworks.in
This whitepaper signifies the joint efforts of Niral Networks, end-to-end private 5G solutions provider based in Bengaluru, and TEXMiN (Technology Exploration in Mining), a distinguished research group at
the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad. Our collective aim is to delve into the untapped possibilities offered by private 5G networks in transforming the mining industry.
7|Page