The challenge encouraged innovative startups and entrepreneurs across Canada to develop underground mining technology that leverages the capabilities of the Rogers 5G Wireless Private Network.
The Mining Technology Innovation Challenge, a collaboration between NORCAT, Rogers, Dell Technologies, Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), and Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA), announces the successful conclusion of the Mining Technology Innovation Challenge supported by Rogers . 5G.
“This initiative aimed to accelerate the adoption of 5G in the global mining industry and foster innovation in safety, productivity and sustainability,” the company’s news release said.
“PDAC always showcases the innovation and diversity of Ontario’s mining, technology and manufacturing sectors,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Our government has announced that North Bay-based SafeSight won the Mining Technology Innovation Challenge for its DeepTraxx and SafeScanner products, which leverage the latest 5G advances to support a safer and more efficient Ontario mining sector. Congratulations on what you did.”
The challenge encourages innovative startups and entrepreneurs across Canada to develop underground mining technologies that leverage the capabilities of the Rogers 5G Wireless Private Network at the Rogers Technology Center of Excellence at the NORCAT Underground Center in Onapin, Ontario. did. “The solution focused on subsurface safety, productivity, energy efficiency, and environmental impact, and leveraged the ultra-low latency of the Rogers 5G network.” Among the 20 proof-of-concept applications submitted, SafeSight Exploration Inc. emerged as the winner of the challenge on May 30th,” the release states.
“SafeSight’s 5G-enabled underground emergency response and mine rescue tool kits, DeepTraxx-5G and SafeScanner-5G, are lighting the way to a safer future for the entire industry. We received C$100,000 worth of support, including proof-of-concept development and testing at the Rogers Technology Center of Excellence.”
On January 24th, a live demonstration of SafeSight’s Deeptraxx-5G and SafeScanner-5G was streamed live from the NORCAT underground center, demonstrating the success of this challenge. This demonstration simulated the potential for thermal runaway of a damaged BEV with employees trapped underground. Due to the extreme danger, current procedures for battery fires and underground thermal runaways are to contain the fire and allow it to burn out before sending additional help.
“Our 5G technology can be deployed from the surface to collect on-site assessment thermal video and 3D mapping before responders head underground. Additionally, active emergency response video and mapping can be used by command and control. The result is safer and more effective assessment and search and rescue,” said Mike Campigotto, president of SafeSight Exploration.
The integration of 5G technology in the mining sector holds great promise, offering high-speed connectivity and low-latency capabilities that can significantly improve safety, communication, productivity, and operational efficiency in underground mines around the world.
