Increasing Mining Safety With Data Transmission Systems

Mining is one of the most hazardous industries, making up 8% of all fatal accidents within the global labour force.1 Based on this statistic, ensuring worker safety is a primary concern for mining facility managers. That is why, as facilities evaluate their infrastructure and think through their safety management strategy, it is important to consider implementing technological solutions to enhance safety, while optimising operations and maintaining productivity.

Enter data transmission systems: these hardwired data-over-power solutions are responsible for creating a secure signal that can travel quickly through power conductors to ensure reliable communication, even in busy environments. As technology advances in the mining industry, data transmission systems can play a significant role in improving safety protocols, supporting automation, and driving operational efficiency. Rooted in real-time communication, and supported by reliable and secure data networks, data transmission systems can enable a swift transition from manual to automated systems. In turn, hazardous operator exposure is reduced, giving facility managers confidence that their employees will return home safely each day.

While mining incidents and equipment malfunctions are sometimes unavoidable, integrating data transmission systems into infrastructure can significantly improve safety strategies. The primary benefits of data transmission system implementation include:

Understanding the current challenges in mining safety

Before adopting any new system or technology, it is important to first determine primary pain points:

• Are you experiencing frequent data transmission features or communication blackouts?
• Are your wired or wireless networks struggling to provide stable connectivity in remote or underground locations?
• Are data delays or connectivity issues leading to unplanned downtime for critical equipment?
• Are you able to maintain reliable communication with underground or mobile workers in case of emergencies? Is that system currently dependent on Wi-Fi or another system?

Given the demanding conditions of mining environments, employees must operate large-scale machines in often dusty, loud, and explosive settings. Transitioning from traditional Wi-Fi to a data-over-power communication system can help reduce potential safety hazards that put teams, equipment, and operations at risk. These safety risks and more can be mitigated with data transmission systems that use real-time communication methods and reliable networks.

Data transmission system benefits

Hardwired data transmission systems can address all the common pain points detailed above, but they also offer some other specific benefits. The following outlines how data transmission systems not only optimise facility operations, but drive continued safety to support machines and employees.

 

This is a preview of an article that was originally published in the May 2025 issue of Global Mining Review.

Subscribe to Global Mining Review for free to read this article in full and many more here.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/23052025/increasing-mining-safety-with-data-transmission-systems/