
The Challenge
Although the benefits of IoT in mining safety are clear, there are network-based obstacles to such an asset intensive implementation. Limited or unreliable connectivity is not an option, which poses a major challenge, especially in remote locations and deep underground mines. And it can’t just be any network. The network must be able to collect data from multiple points in and around the mine, including smart sensors monitoring operations and blind spots. The communication system required must be able to do several things. First, it must provide a reliable signal for constant visibility. Second, it needs to deliver high capacity and low latency to maximize efficiency. Third, it needs to be rugged enough to withstand the rigors of an active industrial jobsite to avoid downtime. Fourth the network needs interoperability between devices and machines that use different protocols or have different architectures. As technology continues to fuel the growth of the industrial IoT, there will be a greater load of data that will be able to be assimilated.