This year’s Mining Indaba theme, “Embracing the power of positive disruption: A bold new future for African mining,” seemed to catch participants off guard. However, most speakers shared the consensus that technology holds the key to solving many challenges.
In an interview with The Executive Botswana, Bakani Motlhabani, Head of Technical Services at Debswana, highlighted the diamond company’s commitment to prioritising technology. “Botswana’s mining industry has a commendable safety track record, which serves as a good benchmark. Progress is being made in leveraging technology not only to enhance safety but also overall productivity. Mines are better equipped to handle market volatility,” said Motlhabani.
Last year, at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, it was announced that Debswana had embraced technology in its mining operations. The latest initiative involves technology deployed in new underground mining projects at Jwaneng mine. Debswana has collaborated with tech giant Huawei to implement a fifth-generation (5G)-oriented smart diamond mine project. This initiative builds upon Debswana’s earlier deployment, starting in December 2021, of Huawei’s 4G eLTE private network solution, which ensures stable connectivity at its Jwaneng open-pit diamond mine.
During the MWC in Europe, Debswana’s representative and head of information management, Molemisi Sechaba, revealed that the Huawei-enabled smart mine platform is currently operational at Debswana’s Jwaneng open-pit diamond mine. “Huawei’s 4G eLTE private network connects over 260 pieces of equipment at the Jwaneng mine, enhancing the integration between production, safety, and security systems. The eLTE system facilitates data transfers and improves the efficiency of mining vehicles, thereby reducing long-term operational expenses and enhancing safety,” explained Sechaba.
Last year, Debswana implemented the smart mining solution at its Orapa, Damtshaa, and Letlhakane mines, further building on the success achieved at Jwaneng mine. Sechaba emphasized that the technology facilitates real-time data collection, backhaul, and interaction, enhancing the system’s sensitivity and accuracy to provide more reliable protection for staff and vehicles.
Debswana anticipates the need for more technology, particularly as Jwaneng mine, currently operating at a depth of 452 meters and projected to reach 816 meters by 2034, delves deeper. The Debswana 2021 Stakeholder Reports highlighted the mining company’s appetite for expansion in both the short and long term, necessitating the adoption of new technology, including the ongoing venture into underground mining.
