White Paper

Enabling a Reliable and Efficient

Communication Infrastructure for the
Indian Mining Industry
|A Collaborative endeavour by Niral Networks, Bengaluru and TEXMiN, Dhanbad

Introduction
The Indian mining industry has long been in need of a reliable, high-bandwidth, and ultra-low latency communication infrastructure. In the face of growing
geopolitical tensions where mineral resources have become a focal point for conflicts, it is imperative for India to address this need. This whitepaper
outlines the major drivers behind the need for such a communication infrastructure and explores the potential of private 5G networks as a comprehensive
solution. Additionally, it provides a step-by-step approach for the adoption of private 5G networks in the Indian mining industry, highlighting their
numerous benefits and potential applications.

1|Page
Challenges
This section highlights the major factors behind the need for a robust
communication system that would be a key enabler for the digitization of the
mines.
1. Remote locations: Many mining sites in India are located in remote areas
where access to essential infrastructure and resources is limited. Good
connectivity solutions, such as high-speed internet, time sensitive
communication and reliable mobile networks, can help bridge this gap
by enabling real-time data exchange between different stakeholders
involved in mining operations.
2. Safety: Mining is a hazardous industry that involves several risks to the
safety of workers. Good connectivity solutions can help improve safety
by enabling real-time monitoring of mining operations, providing access
to emergency services in case of accidents, and facilitating quick
communication between workers, supervisors and management.
3. Efficiency: Mining operations involve complex processes that require
coordination between different teams and departments. Good
connectivity solutions will improve efficiency by enabling seamless
communication, data sharing, and collaboration between different
stakeholders involved in mining operations.
4. Resource Optimization: Seamless communication will optimize the use
of resources such as fuel, machinery and personnel. By enabling real-
time monitoring and data analysis, mining companies can identify
inefficiencies and take corrective action quickly, leading to significant
cost savings.
5. Compliance: The mining industry is subject to several regulations and
compliance requirements. Good connectivity solutions can help mining
companies comply with these regulations by enabling real-time monitoring of
environmental impacts, worker safety and other factors that impact compliance.
Current Communication Landscape
An examination of multiple mines in India reveals a reliance on various
communication channels, such as two-way radio systems, wireless mesh
networks, fibre optics, satellite communications, WIFI, LoRa and more. However,
none of these systems provide a comprehensive solution to meet the growing
communication needs of the mining industry.
Private 5G Networks
Private 5G networks offer immense potential for addressing the communication
challenges in the mining industry. While India is yet to demonstrate a successful
pilot, the effectiveness of private 5G networks has been proven in various parts
of the world. Multiple mines, such as China Molybdenum, Boliden, LKAB, and
K+S has done successful implementations of Private 5G networks, and
showcasing its benefits in remote equipment control, real-time monitoring,
autonomous mining operation, video surveillance and safety applications.
Adopting Private 5G for Indian Mining
Although cost and spectrum management complexities pose challenges, a
comprehensive solution can be achieved by integrating 5G communication
infrastructure, customized data acquisition units (DAW), AI/ML analytics, and
edge/cloud platforms. The paper emphasizes the need for a private 5G network
to create horizontal and vertical solutions tailored to Mining 4.0 requirements.
2|Page
Private 5G Solution Architecture for Mining

3|Page
Step-by-Step Approach
The whitepaper proposes a step-by-step approach for the adoption of private
5G networks in the Indian mining industry:
• Establishing a Strong Communication Structure
Private 5G networks, operating on the 5G spectrum, provide tailored
benefits to the mining industry. 5G Radio Access Network (RAN),
wireless backhaul infrastructure, 5G Standalone Core along-with an
edge computing infrastructure can contribute to reliable and high-
bandwidth wireless connectivity, efficient data transmission, and real-
time decision-making.
• Surveillance and Monitoring Use Case
A wide variety of surveillance and monitoring use case need to
established involving GNSS, fixed and mobile cameras, Drones and
hand-held devices. This would lead to more efficient monitoring of the
remote areas of the mines. A low latency and high data speed
connectivity would ensure truly real time monitoring of the mines, and
generation of reports with ultra-high resolutions maps and 3D models
will help the miners for effective surveillance, assist in mine planning
and design and compliance management.
• Analytics
Analytical engines like AI/ML, neural networks etc. are used to help in
decision making for the mining engineers and managers like whether
current mining operations is in line to already approved mine plans and
design, adherence to the compliance needs, monitoring of mine
operations etc. Solutions like Intelligent cameras would assist in
identifying cases of mis-conduct, unsafe activities, loitering, lack of PPE
etc. Objection detection models can be used to provide real time alerts
which would help minimize accidents due to over-speeding, collision
etc. which accounts for more than 30% of present accidents in mines.
Fleet management systems can be augmented to provide real time
smart assignment of trucks to mine shovels and extraction units,
keeping in view the loading and unloading points. This would help
reduce the fuel consumption which presently accounts to almost 70%
of mining operating costs. Various other use cases can be built on top of
Surveillance and monitoring systems.
• Teleoperation Use Case
Teleoperation refers to operation from a distance. It involves use of
strong communication network and actuating equipment through use
of sensors, actuators and motors. Remote control through RF and cables
are already an established technologies for teleoperation for at least
vehicles and power systems. Recently, few of the Heavy Earth Moving
Machineries (HEMM) have started demonstrating capabilities of
teleoperation and remote operations. Such technologies help in better
efficiency of operations as well as better control. A Private 5G
communication network would help in a true automation of HEMMs to
be remotely operated at a safe distance from the hazardous mining
surfaces, where the equipment is generally used.
• Analytics for Teleoperation
Analytics of Teleoperation starts with study of various equipment
parameters such as engine characteristics, state of hydraulics, stress-
strain patterns of structures, sound/vibration/heat patterns of moving
parts etc. Data analytics and science can then be used to find out the
optimized operating characteristics for increased efficiency of the
equipment. Normally such analytics is done both on edge devices as
well as central processing unit. However, technological and costs
limitation have increasingly suggested shift towards a central processing
unit which can be on-premise as well as on cloud. Private 5G networks
can enable remote monitoring of equipment health, allowing
maintenance personnel to identify potential issues before they become
4|Page
 major problems. This can help reduce downtime and improve the
efficiency of mining operations. Remote control of mining equipment
can help improve safety, efficiency and productivity in the mining
industry, while reducing costs and enhancing overall operational
performance.
5. Compliance Management: Compliances can be modelled into the
automation rules for the operations. These would help mining companies to
protect from several instance of penalties levied by statutory organizations.

Full Automation of Mining Operations

Once analytics and remote operation are optimized, full automation of mining
can be planned. The digital transformation of the mining industry through the
use of advanced technologies, data analytics, and Private 5G has the potential
for multiple benefits: “TEXMiN Mining 4.0 solutions combined with Private 5G infrastructure
1. Increased Efficiency: Mining 4.0 technologies, such as automation and laid down by Niral Networks has the potential to truly revolutionize Indian
artificial intelligence, can help improve mining efficiency by optimizing Mining scenario.” says Suraj Prakash, CEO, TEXMiN
processes and reducing waste. For example, autonomous vehicles can
reduce downtime, increase safety and improve productivity by working
around the clock.

2. Improved Safety: Mining 4.0 technologies can enhance safety by reducing “I am excited to work in collaboration with TEXMiN to showcase the
the risk of accidents and injuries. For example, sensors can monitor the immense potential of private 5G networks in revolutionizing the Indian
health of equipment and advanced analytics can predict potential failures
mining industry. By enabling a reliable and efficient communication
before they occur. Autonomous vehicles can also reduce the need for
personnel to work in hazardous environments. infrastructure, we are paving the way for enhanced safety, increased
efficiency, and transformative automation in mining operations. Together,
3. Enhanced Sustainability: Mining 4.0 can help improve sustainability by we are driving the industry forward into a new era of technological
opportunities.”
reducing energy consumption, reducing waste and improving resource
advancements and unparalleled says Abhijit
efficiency. Advanced analytics can optimize the use of resources and
automation can reduce the environmental impact of mining operations. Chaudhary, Founder & CEO, Niral Networks

4. Better Decision Making: Mining 4.0 technologies can provide mining

companies with real-time data and analytics, enabling them to make
informed decisions about their operations. Analytics can help identify
opportunities for cost savings and process improvements, while predictive
maintenance can help avoid equipment failure and downtime.

5|Page
Conclusion
The implementation of a private 5G network in mining operations establishes a robust communication structure, facilitating enhanced safety, increased
efficiency, improved automation, IoT connectivity and scalability. By harnessing private 5G networks, the mining industry can achieve significant
improvements in productivity, safety and overall operational performance. The step-by-step approach outlined in this paper provides a roadmap for the
adoption of private 5G networks, including the integration of surveillance and monitoring, analytics, teleoperation and full automation. The potential
benefits of this digital transformation underscore the importance of embracing advanced communication technologies to drive the mining industry
forward.

6|Page
TEXMiN
TEXMiN Intelligent Tracking system can run on Private 5G Network giving its users localized information on positioning at an accuracy level much higher than traditional
GNSS based tracking. Another solution by TEXMiN on creating mine maps using Holographic Systems and drone data processing can come on near-Real-time mode,
given the high uplink and downlink speed provided by 5G communication Technology. texmin.in

Niral Networks
Niral Networks offers private 5G solutions that empower enterprises to harness the full potential of 5G technology. Our comprehensive suite of services, including
network design, deployment, and management, enables organizations to build secure and reliable 5G networks tailored to their unique needs. With NiralOS, enterprises
can unlock the benefits of 5G, such as ultra-fast data transfer, low latency, and enhanced connectivity, to drive innovation and growth while maintaining full control
over their network infrastructure.

NiralOS is a modular Network Operating System (NOS) that runs on Commodity hardware and is integrated with multiple 5G radios and 3rd party edge applications. It
provides a single dashboard for simplifying the management of network operations and edge applications. Overall, it improves the enterprise operational effectiveness.
niralnetworks.in

This whitepaper signifies the joint efforts of Niral Networks, end-to-end private 5G solutions provider based in Bengaluru, and TEXMiN (Technology Exploration in Mining), a distinguished research group at
the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad. Our collective aim is to delve into the untapped possibilities offered by private 5G networks in transforming the mining industry.

Niral Networks TEXMiN Foundation

Regent Prime, Unit No. 104, 2nd Floor, 48, Sathya Sai Layout, Whitefield, Bengaluru - 3 Floor, i2h Tower (Institute Innovation Hub), IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, Jharkhand –
rd
560066, India
826004, India
info@niralnetworks.com
info@texmin.in
+91 9886179612
+91 90006 26857

7|Page