Debswana, a joint venture between De Beers and the Botswana government, has announced “the world’s first 5G-oriented smart diamond mine project” in conjunction with the Chinese multinational technology corporation Huawei, IDEX Online reports.
Debswana and Huawei have connected over 260 pieces of equipment – like mining vehicles – at the Jwaneng mine in Botswana, thereby making it more efficient and safe, according to them.
The 5G network allows transferring of data in real time, making equipment like mining vehicles “more efficient, increasing yield and reducing long-term operating costs. It also makes the system more sensitive and accurate to provide more reliable protection for staff and vehicles,” according to the report.
Debswana plans to roll out the smart mine project at its Orapa, Damtshaa, and Letlhakane mines as well.
