NORCAT, Rogers, Dell Technologies, OVIN, MICA, and SafeSight Exploration Inc. successfully concluded the Mining Technology Innovation Challenge, powered by Rogers 5G, to accelerate the application of 5G in mining
Sudbury Ont. – The Mining Technology Innovation Challenge, a collaboration between NORCAT, Rogers, Dell Technologies, the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), and the Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA), is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the Mining Technology Innovation Challenge, powered by Rogers 5G. This initiative aimed to accelerate the application of 5G in the global mining industry, fostering innovation in safety, productivity, and sustainability.
"PDAC always showcases the innovation and diversity of Ontario’s mining, tech and manufacturing sectors," said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. "Our government congratulates North Bay-based SafeSight in winning the Mining Technology Innovation Challenge with its DeepTraxx and SafeScanner products, which leverage the latest 5G advances to support a safer and more efficient Ontario mining sector."
The challenge encouraged innovative start-ups and entrepreneurs from across Canada to develop underground mining technologies that utilize the capabilities of the Rogers 5G Wireless Private Network at the Rogers Technology Centre of Excellence at the NORCAT Underground Centre in Onaping, Ontario. The solutions focused on underground safety, productivity, energy efficiency, and environmental impact and leveraged the ultra-low latency on the Rogers 5G network. Out of the 20 proof-of-concept applications submitted, SafeSight Exploration Inc. emerged as the challenge winner on May 30th.
SafeSight’s 5G-enabled underground Emergency Response and Mine Rescue tool kit, DeepTraxx-5G and SafeScanner-5G, are illuminating a path towards a safer future for the entire industry. The winning technology received $100,000 CAD worth of support, including $25,000 CAD in funding for proof-of-concept development and testing at the Rogers Technology Centre of Excellence.
On January 24th, a live demonstration of the SafeSight’s Deeptraxx-5G and SafeScanner-5G was live-streamed from the NORCAT Underground Centre, showcasing the success of the challenge. The demonstration simulated a potential thermal runaway on a damaged BEV where employees were trapped underground, due to extreme risk the current protocol for battery fire or thermal runaway underground is to contain and allow the fire burns out before sending in additional support.
Mike Campigotto, President of Safesight Exploration Inc. passionately discussed how the product suite of emergency response that will give Emergency Response digital leverage, "Our 5G technology can be deployed from surface to gather scene assessment thermal video and 3D mapping in advance of the responders heading underground in addition active emergency response video and mapping is shared with command and control in real time. The result safer and more effective assessment and search and rescue."
The integration of 5G technology in the mining sector holds great promise, offering high-speed connectivity and low-latency capabilities that can significantly enhance safety, communication, productivity, and operational efficiency in underground mines across the globe.
QUOTES
Don Duval, NORCAT CEO, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "The Mining Technology Innovation Challenge provided an incredible opportunity for start-ups, entrepreneurs, and problem solvers to develop innovative technological solutions for the mining sector, strengthening Ontario’s end-to-end supply chain."
"Through the Mining Technology Innovation Challenge, we are seeing the transformative, real-world impact of next-generation connectivity in mining, supporting the access to critical minerals," said Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN. "SafeSight’s use of 5G to enhance the safety and efficiency of mining operations is a shining example of Ontario-made innovation driven by cross-sector collaboration, one that OVIN is proud to support. Together, we are paving the way for the development of a robust electric vehicle supply chain."
"It is great to see a company from Northern Ontario being recognized for leading the way towards an even safer future for the mining industry," said George Pirie, Minister of Mines. "This is another great example of how the Ontario mining industry puts safety first. Thanks to Safesight for their unwavering commitment to leveraging modern technology to ensure that everyone comes home safe at the end of every shift, especially the mine rescue teams."
"Our government is proud to work with the mining sector to protect the health and safety of Ontario’s 29,000 miners, including setting the most protective limit in North America for exposure to diesel exhaust, investing in cutting-edge safety equipment, and expanding the Ontario Mine Rescue program," said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. "SafeSight’s 5G-enabled Deeptraxx and SafeScanner products exemplify made-in-Ontario technologies that are keeping workers safe and driving Ontario’s world-class mining sector."
"SafeSight’s mining safety capabilities are a great example of what can be achieved when 5G connectivity and the right use case combine," said Scott Cohen, Vice President Sales, Telecom Systems Business, Dell Technologies. "We look forward to our continued collaboration with Rogers Communications and SafeSight to enhance safety for the mining industry."
Kyle McCall, Director Commercialization Services & Member Relations for the Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator shared, "MICA is excited to be part of this industry first demonstration of the potential of 5G in underground Mine Rescue operations by SafeSight Inc. It was incredible to see the technology in action during the live demo at the NORCAT Underground Centre."
For more information about the Mining Technology Innovation Challenge, please visit the official NORCAT website at https://norcat.org/innovation/open-innovation/challenges/MINING-INNOVATION-CHALLENGE.html.
ABOUT NORCAT
NORCAT is a global leader in skilled labor training and development and innovation services. The NORCAT Underground Centre serves as the world’s only operating underground mine designed to enable the development, testing, and demonstration of emerging technologies poised to transform the global mining industry.
ABOUT PARTNERS
Rogers Communications Inc: Rogers is a leading Canadian technology and media company providing communications services and entertainment to consumers and businesses.
Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN): OVIN is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in the automotive and mobility sector in areas such as connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies.
Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA): MICA is a national innovation ecosystem initiative designed to modernize mining and improve its productivity and environmental performance.
Dell Technologies: Dell Technologies helps organizations and individuals build their digital future and transform how they work, live, and play.