By Emmanuella Oghenetega
A Postdoctoral Faculty Fellow in the Department of Mining and Explosives Engineering, Dr. Anabi Hilary Kelechi has emphazised the urgent need to discard the ineffective traditional wired communication systems in the mining sector.
According to Dr. Anabi, the mining sector has been crucial in Nigeria’s economy, providing employment and contributing significantly to revenue generation.
However, he said that the sector it is also one of the most hazardous industries, exposing workers to various risks, including cave-ins, gas explosions, equipment accidents, and exposure to harmful substances. According to him, given these dangers, the adoption of wireless communication technologies in Nigerian mines is not just an option but a necessity to improve safety standards and protect miners’ health.
He stated that the harsh and unpredictable conditions of mining sites made traditional wired communication systems ineffective, creating an urgent need for wireless technologies, which offers a more resilient and flexible solution to overcome communication barriers in underground and open-pit mining environments.
“The use of wireless networks, sensors, and mobile applications provides real-time monitoring and ensures seamless interaction between miners and supervisors.”
He revealed that wireless communication enhances decision-making processes by providing real-time data transmission between workers and control centers.
“One of the primary benefits of wireless communication in mining operations is its role in enhancing emergency response. In the event of accidents such as cave-ins, gas leaks, or explosions, real-time communication can facilitate swift rescue operations and minimize casualties.
“Wireless systems, such as underground Wi-Fi networks, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tracking, and satellite communication, enable miners to send distress signals immediately, allowing rescue teams to locate and assist them more efficiently. GPS-enabled tracking systems can pinpoint miners’ exact locations, significantly reducing the time required for rescue operations.
As part of the benefits of a wireless communication system, Dr. Anabi stated that wireless technology can also be employed to monitor the health conditions of miners in real time. Wearable sensors and smart helmets can track vital signs such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and exposure to harmful gases like methane, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. These devices can send alerts to safety personnel if dangerous conditions are detected, preventing severe health complications or fatalities.
“For instance, a miner exposed to high levels of toxic gases may experience dizziness or unconsciousness, making it difficult to call for help. With wireless-connected health monitoring devices, an automatic distress signal can be sent to the control room, prompting immediate intervention. This proactive approach significantly enhances occupational safety and reduces health-related fatalities in mines.”
In stated, that in reducing the risk of explosions and accidents, wireless gas detection systems and automated alerts help mitigate the risk of explosions and other mining-related accidents. Traditional wired communication systems can be unreliable in harsh underground environments where cables may be damaged or destroyed. Wireless solutions, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Zigbee networks, offer more flexibility and reliability in transmitting critical safety information without the risk of cable failures.
“Automated sensors placed throughout the mining site can detect temperature changes, vibrations, and gas levels, alerting supervisors before hazardous conditions escalate. Early warning systems allow preventive measures to be taken before a disaster occurs, ensuring a safer working environment for miners.
“Wireless surveillance systems, including remote-controlled drones, can also be deployed to inspect risky or hard-to-reach areas within mines, reducing human exposure to dangerous zones.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency Besides safety, wireless communication also contributes to increased operational efficiency. Wireless-enabled devices and automated monitoring systems can reduce human error, streamline workflow processes, and improve productivity.
“Supervisors can communicate seamlessly with miners underground, providing real-time instructions and feedback, thus ensuring smoother operations.
Wireless networks also enable remote equipment monitoring, allowing engineers and technicians to diagnose machinery issues from a control center rather than physically inspecting underground equipment. This not only reduces maintenance costs but also minimizes downtime, ultimately increasing overall productivity.
He further revealed that automated fleet management systems using wireless technology can optimize vehicle movement within mines, preventing congestion and improving transportation efficiency.
On the challenges and the way forward, he said that despite the evident benefits, the adoption of wireless communication technologies in Nigerian mines faces challenges such as high implementation costs, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate technical expertise.
To address these challenges, Dr. Anabi Hilary Kelechi said that the government and private sector stakeholders must collaborate to invest in advanced mining technologies, establish regulatory policies, and provide training programs for miners and engineers. Public-private partnerships can facilitate the funding required for wireless infrastructure development, while training programs can ensure miners are equipped with the knowledge and skills to utilize these technologies effectively.
