Almonty Korea Tungsten Corporation (AKTC), an Almonty Industries Inc subsidiary, and Korea Telecom (KT) are introducing the new Mine Safety DX Technology.
The Mine Safety DX technology aims to improve worker safety and encourage efficient mining practices, demonstrating AKTC’s strong commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance.
According to Almonty, the collaboration results from the mining industry’s ongoing issues in assuring fast response to unanticipated occurrences and instantaneous sharing of essential information in emergencies. The Mine Safety DX technology, being deployed at the Sangdong Mine in South Korea, tackles these problems using advanced information and communication technology to develop a new safety framework for mining operations.
“We are fully committed to implementing responsible and sustainable mining practices as we reopen the Sangdong Mine while also providing the safest environment possible for our mine workers,” Almonty Chairman, President, and CEO Lewis Black said.
“Mine Safety DX technology, developed with Korean Telecom, gives us a previously unheard of level of workplace environment monitoring that ensures the detection of hazardous factors and timely notifications to protect worker well-being. We look forward to sharing this advancement with the rest of the mining community. In addition, AKTC will be making this technology, which is a key component of our ESG program, available via open source to allow all South Korean mines access to this important new system,” Black stated.
The communication infrastructure constructed by KT and AKTC at the Sangdong Mine is based on Long Term Evolution technology. This infrastructure provides improved coverage and simultaneous access beyond the capabilities of Wi-Fi and radios previously utilised in mine communication. By using “leaky coaxial cables” and “mining designated line amplifiers,” uninterrupted connection is feasible even in deep below areas of the mine, assuring communication and monitoring capabilities.
The solution integrates smart devices, access/location management, an AI-based mine safety system, and workplace environment monitoring. Smart devices deliver real-time location information and biometric data, allowing for fast reactions to underground emergencies and worker safety. Bluetooth Low Energy beacons are used to accurately position and alert personnel approaching unsafe locations in access/location management. The AI-powered system monitors worker safety, emergency messages, and data analysis, allowing operators to take preemptive steps. Workplace environment monitoring identifies dangerous elements and gives timely alerts to safeguard worker well-being.
Almonty noted that the technology also improves mining operations’ safety and efficiency. AKTC and KT collaborated to build a strong communication infrastructure to support the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy’s Comprehensive Mine Safety Plan and the government’s objective of providing long-distance wide-area communication capabilities by 2027.
Implementing Mine Safety DX in the Sangdong Mine demonstrates AKTC’s dedication to responsible and sustainable mining practices. The Sangdong Mine rehabilitation revitalises the local population and places AKTC as a leader in the domestic mining sector. Almonty’s investment in safety measures and the use of fourth-generation technology illustrates its commitment to lowering risks and enhancing the overall mining environment.
“We are proud to partner with KT in developing the Mine Safety DX solution. This collaboration allows us to prioritize worker safety while also promoting efficient mining practices. We believe that the implementation of this technology will establish Yeongwol-Gun, Gangwon-do, as a mining city at the forefront of technological advancement, contributing to the revitalization of the domestic mining industry,” AKTC Sangdong Mine Planning Director Donghoon Kang said.
