Vertical: Mining
Application: Personnel monitoring, vehicle tracking, unmanned trucks, smart conferencing
Ecosystem: MTN, Huawei, China Telecom
Private Network: 5G
A new private network deployment has emerged in South Africa’s Northern Cape, where MTN, China Telecom, and Huawei have joined forces to implement a 5G private network for a major manganese mining operation. This installation represents Africa’s largest mining-sector private network deployment to date.
The network aims to enhance both safety and operational efficiency through high-speed, reliable connectivity that enables real-time monitoring of personnel and equipment. Key applications include personnel tracking systems, automated vehicle management, and the operation of unmanned trucks throughout the mining facility.
“5G is not merely about enhanced connectivity; it serves as a catalyst for transforming industrial operations,” said Sudipto Moitra, General Manager of MTN ICT Converged Solutions.
Environmental considerations played a central role in the network’s design. The system incorporates features for optimizing energy usage and improving resource management, helping the mine align with international sustainability standards while maintaining productive operations.
Each partner brings specific expertise to the project. Huawei developed and implemented the core private network infrastructure, while MTN provided integration services and network management capabilities. China Telecom contributed its experience in system integration and digital solutions tailored for industrial applications.
