A new memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been inked by MTN Business, Huawei Technologies South Africa, Miniandante Mining Company and Minetec Smart Mining for the provision of fifth-generation (5G) technology equipment and connectivity in the mining industry.

Under the agreement, MTN Business and Huawei will provide 5G equipment and connectivity and deliver high-speed 5G broadband access and security assurance throughout the mining areas.

The partnership is deemed a game changer that will transform old mining processes and, once complete, the mining participants will mark a significant step forward in the digital transformation of the local mining industry.

It will effectively demonstrate how several emerging technologies can be combined with 5G to improve functions across the mines, including ore screening, mining equipment automation, transmission equipment automation and underground safety, the parties commented in a joint statement.

“The mining industry is at the crossroads of significant technological changes. At MTN Business, we are excited to be playing a leading role in this space by using our world-class network and systems to promote the growth and sustainability of our enterprise customers,” says MTN Business chief enterprise officer Wanda Matandela.

The partnership with mining companies will see all parties involved reaping the benefits of MTN’s network, which has been modernised through an injection of more than R50-billion over the past five years, he said.

The application of digital technologies, both in their current form and in future forms, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, Big Data analytics and the Internet of Things, is pivotal to mining success, and increasingly important as South Africa looks to remain competitive in the global mineral and resources space.

The parties note that a digital era has opened up a world of endless possibilities and opportunities, businesses can maximise efficiency and work smarter with more and more digital solutions available in the market.

Technologies such as 5G will play a critical part in ensuring that companies gain a competitive edge in the market as the world moves toward Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions.