Sedna Africa warns that Mobile Private Network (MPN) deployments at African mine sites often fail without upfront “readiness surveys” that map RF propagation, interference sources and coverage gaps across pits, plants and underground workings. The company stresses that autonomous haul trucks, connected-worker wearables and industrial IoT sensors need deterministic latency and throughput, which depend on correct spectrum selection, antenna placement and backhaul design validated in these surveys. Poorly scoped MPNs risk dead zones in crusher areas, unreliable VoIP in decline ramps and insufficient bandwidth for real-time condition monitoring.

Fortescue has opened its Power Up Training Centre in Perth, Western Australia, to build the electrical workforce required to electrify its Pilbara mining operations. The miner expects to need about 1,800 electricians at the peak of its site-wide decarbonisation programme, signalling a sharp rise in demand for high-voltage, battery-electric and control-systems skills on large iron ore hubs. For engineers, the move points to future project constraints around HV reticulation, trolley assist, and fleet electrification being driven as much by labour capacity as by technology readiness.

Transfer points in African mines are being treated as critical process assets, with Weba Chute Systems warning that poorly designed chutes can throttle whole-plant performance from primary crusher discharge to final product conveyors. The company points to uncontrolled impact, excessive turbulence and misaligned feed as root causes of belt damage, spillage and blockages that cut throughput and raise maintenance. Engineered chutes with controlled material flow, optimised liner layouts and tailored geometries are being adopted to stabilise transfer conditions and extend conveyor and chute life.