Mines are heavy power consumers. While that primarily stems from heavy industrial machinery and equipment across vast sites, a growing portion relates to the digital side of mining. Supporting automation, sensors, and data processing requires a growing share of mining power, either directly from facilities owned by the business, or indirectly through partners that provide technology facilities such as data centres.
The ability to power digital infrastructure is particularly important in sub-Saharan Africa, says Louis Kotze, Executive for Generator Sets at WEG Africa.
"Many regions in Africa have a shortage of sufficient and reliable power infrastructure, and mines can't always wait for planned developments to come online. They often now build their own power systems. But there is one area they still often overlook, which is what will power the digital infrastructure that support them?"
Are data centres ready?
Digital infrastructure includes office spaces and network towers, but data centres are the best example. Mines rely on data centres for vital digitisation, such as automation and analytics. No modern mining operation will be efficient and reliable without their support.
