SMART TECHNOLOGY

policies help regulate mining activities, not all mines implement best practices to mine sustainably.

In early 2021, the Minerals Council South Africa published a report highlighting how the country’s mining industry was increasing its use of technological innovation to transform the sector.⁶ Investments in 4IR-enabled digital technologies are helping mining companies to become more globally competitive, as well as improve the health and safety of their operations.

South Africa has some of the deepest mines in the world – and a historically poor safety record. And while mining fatalities in South Africa have reached record lows over the last decade, there was an 18% increase in 2020 in accidents related to falling rocks and transportation.⁷ Mining companies can use smart surveillance solutions in a variety of ways to ensure the safety of employees.

Cameras equipped with deep learning-based analytics, for example, can monitor a variety of hazards and create proactive warnings. These cameras can detect when personnel are not wearing protective equipment or ensure areas of a mine don’t become dangerously overcrowded. They could also be used to monitor dust clouds, which can pose a significant health risk to the work environment and surrounding communities.

An opportunity for transformation

Surveillance technologies can improve the operational efficiency and physical security of mining operations and help mines monitor and mitigate risks to employees, the community and the environment. These technologies represent an opportunity for a real transformation of South Africa’s mining sector: companies that are pivoting towards more sustainable practices must leverage new technologies to their advantage.

As South Africa’s mining sector gradually transitions from fossil-fuel dependency – and with a renewed focus on social and environmental concerns – mining companies cannot afford to continue with outdated practices and limited technological innovation. The future of our economy – and our planet as a whole –depends on it.

*Rudie Opperman is the manager: Engineering & Training in the Middle East & Africa for Axis Communications.

References:

¹ https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda

² https://www.exxaro.com/media-and-insights/thoughtleadership/embarking-on-the-2050-carbon-neutralitythrough-decarbonisation-of-the-mining-sector/

³ https://www.gov.za/speeches/mineral-resources-andenergy-amended-schedule-2-electricity-regulation-act-42006-13-aug

⁴ https://mg.co.za/top-six/2022-09-23-unpacking-southafricas-renewable-energy-project/

⁵ https://mg.co.za/environment/2021-06-24-mines-turnto-solar-power-because-of-eskoms-unreliable-electricitysupply/

⁶ https://www.mineralscouncil.org.za/industry-news/mediareleases/2021/send/76-2021/1363-ten-insights-into-4ir ⁷ https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-safrica-miningidUSKBN2A12IQ