The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
Mining companies in the region, Zimbabwe included, should integrate with stakeholders such as technology companies, to ensure that their operations have adequate and proper information communication technology (ICT) infrastructure systems, an expert has said.
Proper communication in mining – from the underground shaft to the entire mining operation – is critical in maintaining safety and reducing mine accidents.
The mining sector is prone to accidents that can result in injuries, loss of life and production disruptions.
Liquid Intelligent Technologies chief business officer for Southern African region, Ms Lorreta Songola, also highlighted the need for adequate ICT infrastructure for data collection, storage and security at a time digitalisation is growing fast within the region.
“One of the issues is a lack of connectivity. We have seen that connectivity has been a major concern for most companies,” she said during a virtual Africa Mining Forum, which ran under the theme ‘Spotlight: Operating in a post-Covid world, health and safety under scrutiny.’
The forum, which featured international mining executives, also highlighted mining trends and investment opportunities in Africa.
“Additionally, there have been discussions around data collection and storage. In the absence of integration with the management system, the data that is going to be collected from the devices often requires manual input, before it can be analysed.
“So, at the same time, devices recording data need adequate storage capability and we are saying mining companies also need technology companies to be able to access information.
“They need integration with these other stakeholders, because mining is going to take a different approach; what they used to do last year or six months ago is different to what they are doing today.”
The virtual forum helped in facilitating junior miners, financers and technology providers to engage connect, educate and share their expertise in delivering viable and sustainable mines in the future.
