IoT in mining - progress and challenges
21 October 2020

IoT in mining - progress and challenges

21 October 2020

Enabling IoT in healthcare is just one of the verticals that the team at Telecom26 is focused on.  Another is the mining sector and so this research study from Inmarsat The Rise of IoT in Mining’ caught our eye.

65% of the 200 mining organisations from across the world who were interviewed for the research have fully deployed at least one IoT network project, while 33% are trialling or have trialled a project, with only 2% of respondents not having begun an IoT project.

IoT in mining projects included those to safeguard workers via remote tracking, monitor drilling and observe acid mine drainage remotely.   

The report notes that the “use cases and data management are on the simple side”, however encouragingly it says that traditionally the mining industry “has been slow to adopt radical ideas” but is “now beginning to embrace the use of IoT...and… still working out how to make the most of it.”

A variety of significant challenges that need to be addressed for the potential of IoT in mining is to be fully realised, particularly in regard to using it as driver for organisational change” were identified in the report including:

  • A lack of skills, investment and cultural challenges,
  • unreliable connectivity,
  • patchy cybersecurity processes and
  • under-developed data management processes

However, the research remains upbeat noting that “despite the challenges being faced, mining organisations are looking to increase their investment in IoT networks and are overwhelmingly positive about the value of that the IoT can bring to their operations and the benefits it is either already delivering or will deliver in the future”.

Connectivity: vital for the rollout of IoT in mining

At Telecom26 we provide connectivity to almost everywhere on earth thanks to our roaming agreements with 1100 cellular networks from over 620 mobile operators in more than 220 countries.   When coverage is visible, Telecom26 can connect to it and, when another signal is available, we can determine which is the better network to provide service. And, where coverage is needed but not available, we can deploy a private network with VSAT backhaul to a mine.

So, as well as providing fast and reliable voice and data services to mines, we can also provide connectivity for IoT devices and networks through the use of our Multi-IMSI global SIM cards and smart routers.

Telecom 26 - Innovation First

We know that innovation is critical to the evolution of most industries.  IoT is just a one of the areas where we are helping to develop new products, services and ideas that extend the boundaries of mobile services and enable applications to take off and flourish.

As a truly global mobile operator, we have a unique worldwide environment, in which new ideas are tested and evaluated, before being launched.

We offer a full range of connectivity options including 5G, LTE, WiFi, private networks, 2G, 3G and 4G, as well as offshore connectivity capabilities.

Please click through to read more about our IoT deployments in healthcare, maritime and smart transport for food.

And Get in touch to find out how Telecom26 can help improve connectivity for your team, wherever they are in the world.

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