Illegal mining, also known as artisanal mining, is an ongoing challenge for South Africa’s mining industry. The issue has negative economic, social, and environmental impacts. It costs the sector and national fiscus billions of rands each year, poses significant health and safety risks to those who participate in it, contributes to an increase in crime and illegal trade, and can contaminate precious natural environments.

However, as technology and digital tools advance, there’s an opportunity to deploy these solutions in the fight against illegal mining. Edge computing has a significant role to play; with the right implementation, it can greatly enhance the effectiveness of anti-illegal mining efforts in the country.

South Africa regularly bears witness to the consequences of illegal mining. In July, it was reported that at least 17 people in a settlement in Gauteng had been killed after being poisoned in a gas leak, with the victims believed to be illegal miners. Though the cause of the recent ‘Joburg explosion’ that took place on Wednesday 19 July has yet to be confirmed, the event highlighted the threat of illegal mining to the city’s gas and pipeline infrastructure.

A breakthrough at the edge

Private industry players and public institutions have a responsibility to deploy the latest security innovations in combatting illegal mining. Edge computing represents an opportunity to achieve maximum insight from video surveillance without having to rely on 24/7 human surveillance or excessive protection measures for assets that are no longer valuable, such as sealed mines. Edge analytics also allows for faster response times in the event of an incident, saving lives and positively contributing to a very important sector.

Edge computing is a decentralised computing paradigm that brings data processing and computation closer to the source of data generation, typically at or near the edge of the network. In traditional cloud computing models, data is sent to centralised data centres for processing and analysis. Edge computing shifts this processing to local devices or edge servers, reducing the latency and bandwidth requirements associated with transmitting large amounts of data to the cloud. By processing data locally, edge computing enhances the efficiency and performance of various applications. This is particularly useful in scenarios where real-time data analysis and quick decision-making are crucial, such as in mining operations.

Real-time data for ready responses

Because edge computing enables the processing of data closer to the source of collection, it could be extremely valuable for combatting illegal mining. By deploying edge devices, such as sensors and cameras, directly at mining sites or vulnerable areas, real-time data can be gathered and analysed on-site. This instantaneous processing of data allows for immediate detection of unauthorised mining activities, preventing further damage and illegal extraction. Edge computing enables the processing of geospatial data collected from satellites and drones. This data can be used to create detailed maps of mining areas, track changes in land use, and identify areas prone to illegal mining activities. The timely analysis of this geospatial data assists law enforcement agencies in planning targeted interventions.

Remote, but still reacting

Illegal mining often occurs in remote or hard-to-reach areas, making traditional surveillance and monitoring challenging. Edge computing solutions enable the deployment of advanced surveillance systems that can monitor remote locations effectively. Real-time video analytics can identify suspicious activities and trigger immediate alerts to security personnel or relevant authorities. With the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, edge computing facilitates seamless communication and coordination between various sensors and devices. Connected IoT-enabled devices such as seismic sensors, environmental monitors, and geolocation trackers enable authorities to gain valuable insights into potential illegal mining activities, including ground disturbances, unauthorised equipment usage, and irregular movement patterns.

In remote areas with limited or unreliable internet connectivity, edge computing solutions can function in offline mode. This means that the data collected at mining sites can be processed and analysed locally without dependence on continuous internet access – critical with South Africa’s current power crisis. Once a connection is available, the relevant data can be transmitted to central databases for further analysis and reporting.

Each illegal mining operation poses its own challenges. And, while it’s difficult to suggest a single solution, the advantage of edge computing in combatting illegal mining cannot be ignored. Its ability to process real-time data, facilitate enhanced surveillance, and integrate IoT devices enables more effective monitoring, detection, and prevention of these activities. By leveraging edge computing solutions, authorities and mining companies can improve their response capabilities, mitigate environmental impacts, and protect valuable mineral resources from exploitation by unauthorised individuals or groups. Edge analytics in network surveillance should be seen as a component of a holistic security strategy. Therefore, it’s important to work with expert product vendors to establish a scalable, edge-enabled ecosystem for long-term growth and increased efficiency.

The Scooptram ST14 SG is the latest iteration of our highly successful battery-electric 14-tonne underground loader. By fusing zero-emission technology with advanced automation capabilities, Scooptram ST14 SG makes operations safer, smarter and more productive. Powered by connected, self-sustained batteries that provide unparalleled autonomy – and the flexibility of opportunity charging anywhere in the mine.

“With its high-energy battery and the impressive drivetrain, Scooptram ST14 SG has more than enough power to clean a mine development tunnel on one battery charge” says Erik Gert, Global Product Manager – Scooptram at the Underground division.

Scooptram ST14 SG allows for both on-board and off-board charging, featuring a self-sustained battery with dedicated cooling system. State of charge and battery health can be monitored remotely in real-time, and opportunity charging enables customers to charge when the opportunity arises.

“The flexibility of opportunity charging can help boost productivity and machine utilization. For example, an idle loader can be charged while waiting for a truck to return, or during a shift change” says Erik Gert.

The Scooptram ST14 SG is designed with automation in mind and comes equipped with Epiroc’s new generation of market-leading sensor towers, improving system uptime by 10% compared to the previous model.

“Some of the largest mines around the world, both stoping and caving operations, can benefit from Scooptram ST14 SG in combination with Epiroc’s Deep Automation solutions. This means customers can safely continue their operations during blasting and while venting blast fumes, allowing them to gain an extra hour of productive load and haul per shift” says Anton Ronquist, Global Product Manager 6th Sense at the Underground division.

The Scooptram ST14 SG is part of our Smart and Green series (SG), featuring battery-electric driveline and Epiroc’s Rig Control System (RCS). Several automated loaders have already been sold and will shortly be commissioned at customer sites.

Meeting last week in Abuja and Lagos for the 2023 Energy Transition Forum, Nigeria’s leading energy experts have outlined the country’s roadmap to decarbonisation, and discussed what it will take to deliver universal access to clean energy for Nigerian households and businesses.

Speaking in front of senior representatives of some of Nigeria’s most prominent private and public organisations, Wale Yusuff, Managing Director of Wärtsilä in Nigeria, explained how the most advanced studies had shown that decarbonising Nigeria was not only feasible, but that it could also be done in a way that lowered the cost of electricity going forward.

“A lot of Nigerians still think that a renewable energy-based power system is expensive and unreliable, but it doesn’t have to be. On the contrary, I am confident we can reach universal and reliable access to low-cost clean power provided we don’t lose sight of the big picture strategy and develop the power system in logical steps. All the technologies needed for a net zero power system in Nigeria are already a reality: renewables, energy storage, balancing power plants, and sustainable fuels such as green hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol. These are the key ingredients needed to achieve our green electrification goals. When these technologies are combined in an adequate fashion, they deliver the lowest cost of electricity.  Smart planning, strategy and transparent government regulations will do the rest”, Yusuff said.

Wind and solar are by far the cheapest source of new electricity available, so their massive deployment is what will significantly bring the overall system costs down. But as the share of renewables increases in power generation, the volatility of the system will surge, explained Yusuff. “That’s why grid flexibility is going to be the true cornerstone of Nigeria’s decarbonisation efforts.”, he said.

In other words, as wind and solar grow to become the dominant source of energy, their intermittent nature will need to be compensated by flexible power capacities to ensure that the supply of electricity always matches demand. Flexibility in the grid comes from balancing power technologies, namely energy storage and engine power plants, which help avoid unnecessary stress in the power system.

To meet the explosive growth of Nigeria’s electricity demand, the country’s power infrastructure must also be quickly expanded and modernised, both in terms of generation and transmission. “Bridging our infrastructure gap will require the union of different market forces: financing institutions both multilateral and local, government planning and private capital involvement.”, said Yusuff.

Ultimate fuel flexibility

Last year, Wärtsilä released a report which provides a detailed and realistic roadmap showing how Nigeria should proceed to build a 100% renewable energy power system by 2060.

The report shows that Nigeria has everything it needs to successfully accomplish its electrification goals. It benefits from fantastic solar energy resources, but it also has significant, and largely untapped gas resources.

Gas is a key transitional energy source that is set to play an important role in the country’s electrification. That’s why the gas infrastructure must also be rapidly ramped up. Cheap domestic gas is necessary to fuel the flexible engine power plants we need to balance a renewable grid in the short and medium term.

What is more, engine power plants offer the significant advantage of being able to run on different fuels, from natural gas and heavy fuel oil today, to locally produced green hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol tomorrow as they become competitive and broadly available. In this sense, they are the ultimate “future-proof” technology, meaning they are an ideal foundation on which a fully carbon neutral power system can realistically be built.

Future fuels are quickly becoming a reality in Africa. For example, very large-scale green hydrogen and ammonia plants, powered by renewable energy, are already being developed in South Africa by industry consortiums. Wärtsilä’s engine power plants, on the other hand, are expected to be able to function on methanol by the end of this year, on green Ammonia next year, and on green hydrogen by 2026. “The outlook for the use of future fuels in flexible engine power plants is indeed very positive”, concluded Yusuff.

LKAB has awarded ABB a contract to install two ABB Gearless Conveyor Drives (GCDs) on the existing conveyor belt system at its Malmberget mine near Gällivare, Norrbotten County, Lapland, the most northern province in Sweden.

ABB’s installation engineers and project management team face the challenge of working in a tight space at around 1,250 meters underground to remove the large equipment and replace it with the new units. Once the upgrade is complete in 2025, LKAB will be able to achieve energy efficiency savings of between 6 and 10 percent, which will translate to considerable OPEX savings per year.

ABB GCDs have a motor power of between 0.2MW and 8MW, removing the need for a gearbox and thereby lowering maintenance costs while improving overall reliability and leading to greater uptime. A unique ABB innovation, they are known to be the most energy-efficient conveyor drive solution.

“We are managing the largest iron ore mines in Europe where productivity must remain high while energy efficiency increases,” said Pär Sundqvist, Engineer and Project Owner, LKAB. “This important upgrade will improve the throughput on the conveyor and help us to meet our energy targets. ABB’s technology will also reduce both OPEX per ton and ongoing lifecycle costs.”

“The new ABB equipment will allow for an improved working environment in the mine – cleaner and safer,” said Ulf Richter, Product Manager Conveyor Solutions, ABB. “Gearless Conveyor Drives are known to be the most energy-efficient solution for conveyors, enabling reliable transportation of ore. The upgrade also means reduced noise and heat in the conveyor drive area.”

The GCD’s PMM are directly coupled to the existing conveyor’s drive pulley and can also adapted to meet the particular demands of this underground installation. The main advantages are energy savings, health and safety improvements, reduced maintenance costs and steady, solid production due to higher reliability.

ABB was awarded the project contract in the third quarter of 2023 and the installation will take place during scheduled maintenance stops with the final commissioning due in August 2025.

Digitalisation holds enormous potential to help quarries boost their competitiveness – and a tailored, partnership-led approach is key to unlocking the benefits in a practical and affordable way, says Andrey Komov, Head of Productivity for Region International at Volvo Construction Equipment.

In production applications, such as quarries, that involve repetitive jobs and moving large amounts of materials, failing to adopt a digital transformation strategy can have severe repercussions. Even small efficiency gains per tonne moved can add up to significant savings over time, improving competitiveness and the bottom line, but these opportunities can be difficult to detect with traditional methods.

And that’s not the only benefit. Real-time monitoring of machines and operator behaviour enables quarry managers to spot deviations that could lead to downtime and proactively implement safety measures to prevent accidents. Meanwhile, reduced administration and paperwork empowers workers to focus on more critical tasks, leading to increased productivity, and makes the quarry a more appealing workplace, helping to attract skilled workers in a competitive labour market.

Digitalisation is not a cure-all solution, however, rather a tool that must be used in the right way and for the right purposes. Every customer has unique challenges and objectives, and we encourage them not to face them alone. Instead, let’s work together in partnership.

Insight, Analyse, Improve and Sustain

We listen to customers carefully and take them through a four-step process – Insight, Analyse, Improve and Sustain – to develop a tailored programme that will help achieve sustainable improvements to their operations. This programme will involve various services according to the specific results customers are looking for, and in cases where we do not have a ready-made solution, we see it as an opportunity to brainstorm and develop a custom approach.

‘Plug and play’ with affordable subscriptions

That does not mean it has to be expensive, however. There is a misconception that digitalisation is only affordable for those who can put a six or seven-digit budget behind it, but we are challenging and changing this paradigm. The fact that our solutions are subscription based allows customers to start with any budget without the need for huge upfront investments. Indeed, we would recommend that customers start small and make adjustments on the go, rather than trying to make the perfect plan for digitalisation and never taking action.

To make it even easier for quarry operators, we have developed solutions that are brand agnostic. In other words, they allow customers to ‘plug and play’ with any machine, but naturally with wider functionality when integrated into a Volvo machine via our Co-Pilot platform. We are constantly learning with our customers, and our list of solutions will continue to grow over time.

Success stories with digital solutions

So far, the positive feedback has been a great source of motivation for us. One customer, who adopted our Performance Indicator and Connected Map technologies, reported saving four hours per week on reduced administration time. This translates to 208 hours per year or 26 working days of management time.

Meanwhile, several customers who have implemented our Connected Map technology have reported increased operator awareness of vehicle traffic flow. Operators can now slow down when they see a line forming to be loaded by an excavator, instead of rushing to the spot and waiting. This, combined with speed zone implementation, has led to a positive effect on fuel consumption.  Obviously, the best results can be achieved by sufficient on-site connectivity.

Furthermore, by conducting site optimisation work, we can analyse cycle data from a customer’s operations and help them identify improvement potential. In one instance, we noted a long wait time for truck loading and dumping. Further investigation revealed that the wheel loader operator was not working efficiently, causing loading to take an excessive amount of time. By creating a digital twin of the site, we were able to analyse the impact of process changes and concluded that the customer could reduce cost per tonne by 18% with minor changes in their cycle time. Operator training from Volvo was recommended as one of the next steps.

Partnering for a sustainable future

Your competitors will inevitably join this transformation sooner or later, if they haven’t already. Starting early may present challenges, but being late could be devastating for your business. We are eager to assist you in this journey as it aligns with our purpose of making this world a better place to live in. By collaborating with our customers, we can increase their efficiency and contribute to society’s sustainable development by reducing the carbon footprint and improving resource utilisation – always with people’s health, safety, and well-being at the forefront of our actions. This is why we drive innovation and work closely with our customers to create a world that is cleaner, safer, and more connected, every day.

The productivity and safety of BME’s mobile manufacturing units (MMUs) is enhanced by smart technology, making real-time data available on the loading of bulk emulsion into blastholes.

Smart MMUs are a key aspect of BME’s automation efforts, which leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence. The company’s digital solutions such as Xplolog and Xplocharge can automate aspects of blasthole charging, including the real-time tracking of emulsion volumes being pumped on the bench by smart trucks.

“These volumes are monitored by on-vehicle equipment, which compares the planned volumes with the actual volumes required,” explained Nishen Hariparsad, BME General Manager of Technology and Marketing. “This data can then be transmitted wirelessly to be stored and analysed in cloud platforms.”

The data lends itself to ongoing cost optimisation, and to ensuring that there is no wastage of resources in achieving the optimal blast result. Truck performance can also be measured by digital telemetry through internet-of-things (IOT) devices. This functionality improves productivity, maintenance control, product quality and asset utilisation. The safe and smart loading technology of BME’s MMU’s is made possible at its specialised in-house assembly and fabrication facility in South Africa, where BME has built more than 200 MMUs.

The company is constantly evolving and improving its smart technology, and recently released a new version of its Xplolog system for capturing and analysing data on blast holes and decks. The performance of this version is enhanced with design and application code built from the ground up, and with a new and upgraded database using Google’s Cloud Services.

The installation of this technology on MMUs helps mines to monitor their block progress in real time and allows the quality of blasts to be continuously improved to provide sustainable outcomes for BME’s customers. Together with BMEs digitally smart MMU’s and loading solution, a seamless integration of on-bench digital technology and electronic initiation systems also make an important contribution to controlled blasting, which prevents risks like vibration and fly-rock, further preventing poor blast outcomes.