Vertical: Mining
Application: Video surveillance, asset tracking, sensor monitoring, drones
Ecosystem: Echelon Edge
Private Network: 5G
In a significant move towards technological advancement in India’s mining sector, state-owned telecommunications provider Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and IT systems integrator Echelon Edge have secured a groundbreaking contract with Coal India Limited. The partnership aims to implement a private 5G Standalone network at the Amlohri Open Cast Coal Mines in Madhya Pradesh, marking a substantial leap forward in mining operations technology.
The custom-designed network addresses the unique challenges presented by the mining environment, introducing cutting-edge solutions that enhance both safety and efficiency. At its core, the system will enable comprehensive video surveillance, precise asset tracking, and environmental monitoring through IoT sensors. The integration of drone technology for remote monitoring adds another layer of sophistication to the operation, while maintaining reliable voice and data communication services throughout the mining facility.
Looking beyond basic connectivity, the project embraces advanced technological applications that could reshape mining operations. A virtual reality model of the mine will provide unprecedented visualization capabilities, while digital twin technology for load-haul dump operations promises to optimize resource management. The implementation of a collision avoidance system, powered by cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology, demonstrates a strong commitment to worker safety.
The initiative represents a collaborative effort, with support from the Center for Development of Advanced Computing and the Central Mine Planning & Design Institute. This partnership structure ensures that the project benefits from diverse expertise while remaining aligned with national technological development goals.
For BSNL, this project builds upon its existing partnership with Echelon Edge, which began in 2023. The timing aligns well with BSNL’s broader technological evolution, as the company approaches its target of deploying 100,000 4G towers nationwide. The telecom provider’s strategic decision to utilize domestically developed technology positions India among an elite group of nations with proprietary 4G technology stacks.
Echelon Edge’s founder and CEO, Gaurav Gandhi, emphasizes that this implementation showcases India’s growing technological capabilities, particularly in adapting 5G solutions for critical industries. The project not only demonstrates technical prowess but also highlights India’s commitment to indigenous technology development and its application in vital economic sectors.
The anticipated completion of this pioneering network deployment, scheduled for next month, marks just the beginning of what could become a blueprint for modernizing mining operations across India. Through this initiative, BSNL and Echelon Edge are setting new standards for operational excellence in the mining sector, while contributing to India’s broader technological advancement.
