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Use Case: Mineral extraction, is challenging due to the uncertainty in ore reserve estimations, unknown nature of in situ rock, supplying energy for the operation, commodity price volatility, dangerous working conditions for health and safety of miners and environmental concerns Sensors, robotics and machine learning are being utilized across all stages of mining from exploration to reclamation to address these challenges. Applications include: - Mining Safety - Predictable Mining Operation - Underground mine surveillance - Optimizing production efficiency
Device(s)
Cameras for mines and tunnels are an essential element of security and safety monitoring. The mining sector presents a number of challenges, from low lighting to connectivity issues in remote areas. These surveillance cameras observe the many processes within the mine and are mostly installed in a permanent, overt manner, with portable covert cameras being used on a temporary basis. IR thermal imaging cameras are often used as they offer the ability to see in dark, foggy or dust filled environments where there are large trucks, cranes, robotics and other moving apparatus that present danger to humans.KPIs
E2E Latency: Moderate: 10ms-100ms Jitter: Sensitive Data Rate: Medium: 10 – 50 Mbps Availability: Medium: 90 - 95% Criticality: Safety critical Communication Direction: Two-way Common Communication Mode: Unicast Data Reporting Mode: Hybrid Driven Notes: Event and continuousMobility (type/speed): Fixed Service Continuity: Not Required Device Autonomy (Power Constrained): No Connectivity Type: WAN - Cellular, LPWA, Satellite Priority Services (NS/EP): No (it would not) Guaranteed Service: Delayed-Critical GBR Security: Medium Lifespan: Long: More than 8 years Device Density: Low (<1000) Location Based Services: Very High Accuracy (less than 1M) Slice Type Slice Type: mMTC Driverless vehicles and Autonomous Drilling Systems that can operate without human intervention allow operations around the clock, enabling minerals to be extracted and processed in shorter time-frames. Real-Time Kinematic GPS (RTK-GPS) is used In underground mines due to a limited range of signal transmission below the surface and lack of satellite coverage in depth. RTK-GPS is used to ensure autonomous vehicles and drilling systems have clear path-tracking and collision avoidance capabilities. GPS-guided drilling operations. GPS provides accurate information to the drill head to control its direction deep within the earth.KPIs
E2E Latency: Low: <10ms Jitter: Not Sensitive Data Rate: Low: < 10 Mbps Availability: Medium: 90 - 95% Notes: For semi-autonomous vehicles, but very high for fully autonomousCriticality: Safety critical Communication Direction: Two-way Common Communication Mode: Unicast; Multicast; Broadcast Notes: Depends on the sensorData Reporting Mode: Hybrid Driven Notes: Event and continuousMobility (type/speed): High speed vehicular Service Continuity: Required Device Autonomy (Power Constrained): No Connectivity Type: WAN - Cellular, LPWA, Satellite Priority Services (NS/EP): No (it would not) Guaranteed Service: Delayed-Critical GBR Security: High Lifespan: Long: More than 8 years Device Density: High (≥10000) Location Based Services: Very High Accuracy (less than 1M) Slice Type Slice Type: V2X Underground mining has significant safety hazards due to high-stress concentrations, weak rock masses, and limited access and air quality. Different sensors are used in mine-related activities, such as geophones in exploration and blast control, piezometers in dewatering and toxic gas detectors in working frontlines.KPIs
E2E Latency: Best effort Jitter: Not Sensitive Data Rate: Very Low: <100kbps Availability: Medium: 90 - 95% Criticality: Safety critical Communication Direction: Two-way Common Communication Mode: Unicast Data Reporting Mode: Hybrid Driven Notes: Event and continuousMobility (type/speed): Fixed Service Continuity: Not Required Device Autonomy (Power Constrained): No Connectivity Type: WAN - Cellular, LPWA, Satellite Priority Services (NS/EP): No (it would not) Guaranteed Service: Non-GBR Security: Medium Lifespan: Long: More than 8 years Device Density: Low (<1000) Location Based Services: Very High Accuracy (less than 1M) Slice Type Slice Type: mMTC Tag sensors and readers for tracking people, collecting environmental data, equipment tracking, and real-time alerts. RFID transmitter devices are mounted on headlamps belts or badge cards of miners to enable tracking of workers in real-time.KPIs
E2E Latency: Best effort Jitter: Not Sensitive Data Rate: Very Low: <100kbps Availability: Medium: 90 - 95% Criticality: Safety critical Communication Direction: Two-way Common Communication Mode: Unicast Data Reporting Mode: Hybrid Driven Notes: Event and continuousMobility (type/speed): Pedestrian Service Continuity: Not Required Device Autonomy (Power Constrained): Yes Connectivity Type: LAN - WiFi; WAN - Cellular, LPWA, Satellite Priority Services (NS/EP): No (it would not) Guaranteed Service: Non-GBR Security: Medium Lifespan: Short: 2-4 years Device Density: Low (<1000) Location Based Services: Very High Accuracy (less than 1M) Slice Type Slice Type: mMTC