紫金矿业是Investing in 5G Solutions To Build Smart Mines in South Africa

South Africa Zijin Platinum and Nkwe Platinum, subsidiaries of Zijin Mining Group, have teamed up with telecoms company MTN and Huawei to build Platinum mines for fifth-generation wireless technology (5G).

This will mark a significant step forward in the digital transformation of the local mining industry, effectively demonstrating how a range of emerging technologies such as remote vehicle control and the Internet of Things can be combined with 5G to improve the functionality of the entire mine.

These advances are increasingly important as South Africa seeks to remain competitive in the global mineral and resource sector.

Zijin said it has regarded technological innovation as its main driver since it was founded in 2000. The group has become one of the few multinational mining companies in the world with autonomous systems technology and engineering management capabilities.

Fan Zhiyu, GENERAL Manager and CEO of Nkwe, noted that the company began construction of the Zijin Garatau platinum mine, which went into production in May 2021 and is located on the east side of the Bushveld Complex, with advanced technology, reliable safety and environmental protection measures.

Fan said the adoption of 5G smart mining solutions will definitely enable the company to realize this commitment and build the global competitiveness of mine technology leadership.

The Garatau platinum mine is one of Zijin's major overseas projects. The cooperation with MTN and Huawei will help Zijin build the first high-tech, safe, and socio-economic value overseas intelligent mine from the early stage of construction.

Wanda Matandela, chief corporate officer of MTN's business, said 5G technology was a game changer that could transform old mining processes, and MTN wanted to play a leading role in that.

MTN has invested more than R50bn in modernising its network over the past five years, putting the telecoms provider in a better position to deliver faster, seamless connections to its customers.

Peng Song, President of Global Carrier Marketing and Solutions at Huawei, pointed out that digital transformation has become a global trend in multiple industries, and "5G undoubtedly accelerates this trend".

Huawei is bringing its 5G-based INFORMATION and communication technology solutions to the mining industry and building a cross-industry ecosystem to continuously improve network connectivity and help telecom companies like MTN maximize network value.