The Role of Connectivity Infrastructure in the Transformation of the Mining-Energy Sector

As in other sectors of the economy, digital transformation is a necessity for all companies in the market and is even more relevant in the energy-mining sector, since this type of industry generates a pole of development or growth around relatively small communities in which the location of industrial activities is encouraged to boost economic activity in a wider geographical area.

What may have been a trend some time ago in this sector is now an urgent necessity for most organizations.

The adoption of advanced technologies can revolutionize their operations, improve efficiency and ensure a sustainable competitive advantage. In this context, having a robust infrastructure to provide connectivity services with higher bandwidths plays a critical role in driving innovation and efficiency in these sectors such as:

• A mining 4.0: is the evolution of mining towards industry 4.0, which is based on the digitization and automation of production processes among others. For which it is important that this industry has an available, secure and flexible connectivity for the control of its operations and decision making.
• Energy transition: this is the set of changes in our energy production, transmission, distribution and consumption models to avoid greenhouse gas emissions. Currently in the countries there are many renewable energy projects approved that demand (or will demand) to be connected to the national electricity system of each country and it is essential that these projects have an available, secure and flexible connectivity for the control of their operations and decision making .

At InterNexa, we understand the importance of providing solid, high availability, secure, reliable and mission-critical infrastructure connectivity for companies in the energy-mining sector.

Connectivity under a robust, secure and reliable infrastructure as the foundation of transformation.

What happens when it is not possible to trust the channels through which information must travel? And no, we are not talking about hacks, but about high availability, stability, trust and certainty, because secure connectivity is essential to guarantee the operational continuity of the business.

In the energy-mining industry, where the handling of information is sensitive and the availability of connectivity is key for the management of remote operations (due to the digital transformation), having stable, reliable and high availability connectivity is a priority.

Reliable connectivity ensures that systems work without interruptions, allowing companies to maintain a continuous operation in which data and instructions are clear because they arrive correctly and in a timely manner regardless of the distance from the mines or the points of generation, transmission and distribution of energy.

InterNexa, due to its robust and secure backbone infrastructure, where fiber optics is naturally part of the route of the power transmission lines, operates, designs and offers customized solutions for this type of industry, ensuring continuity of service to all its energy and mining customers, supporting their digital transformation and energy transition.

What does a robust and secure network mean?

Ideally, fiber optic connectivity is provided over a good infrastructure with multiple network paths to avoid single points of failure and ensure operational continuity in case of interruptions (redundancy).

This connectivity offers advanced firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) and data encryption: Use end-to-end encryption to protect information transmitted over the network.

Use centralized monitoring and management (NOC). Scalable and flexible, with high availability and 24/7 technical support.

Digital transformation in the energy-mining sector is deeply linked to the quality of the connectivity infrastructure. At InterNexa, we are committed to offer high availability, secure, reliable and efficient connectivity solutions that allow companies to face the challenges of the present and the future. Low latency connectivity, especially in remote areas, along with support for hyper-automation and artificial intelligence, are key elements for a successful operation.

Connectivity in remote areas: the challenge overcome

One of the main barriers to digitalization in the energy-mining sector is the remote location of its operations. Mines and power generators (thermal, hydroelectric, wind, solar) and transmission companies are often located in areas far from communities or cities, where traditional connectivity infrastructure is limited. However, the need for efficient connectivity in these locations is critical for real-time monitoring, remote operation of equipment and preventive maintenance.

Overcoming this challenge is possible by knowing and understanding how this type of industry works and how telecommunications companies such as InterNexa can contribute to technological development by bringing their networks closer to this type of industry, for example, by implementing a fiber optic network, microwave links and other solutions such as satellite links, which provide connectivity for corporate and operational services (mission critical) in remote areas.

There are other solutions that may involve "network hopping" or tailor-made solutions such as "tele-protection" services that are designed by InterNexa engineers, specialized in the energy and mining sectors.

These solutions ensure that no operation is hampered by lack of access to a high quality network, allowing constant monitoring for decision making and the ability to make adjustments in real time.

Low latency: the key to efficient operation

Low latency isa crucial factor for industries that rely on automation and have already implemented solutions that make use of artificial intelligence (AI), but are sensitive to high latency.

In the energy-mining sector, where every second counts, low latency ensures that control systems and automated operations respond immediately, as are hyper-automation actions, for example.

Connectivity solutions must be designed to offer the lowest possible latency, providing the speed and reactivity needed to optimize your operations and achieve greater fluidity, increased productivity and reduced operating costs.

Some services requested by our customers:

• Connectivity for COES control centers (main/contingency).
• Connectivity for smart meters.
• Connectivity for telemetry.
• Connectivity for synchrophasors: (PDC/PMU).
• Connectivity for control centers of other agents.
• Connectivity for CCTV.

Hyper-automation and artificial intelligence: the future of the industry.

Hyper-automation and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the energy-mining sector, especially to improve the efficiency of complex processes, reducing the need for human intervention in dangerous tasks. But, for these technologies to work effectively, efficient and robust connectivity is required, as we explained earlier.

A backbone infrastructure placed on "high-tension towers" is what makes it possible for these innovations to function properly, ensuring that your AI and automation systems operate due to their high availability and maximum efficiency.

Efficient connectivity: driving digital transformation

Let's get this straight: efficient connectivity not only improves communication and data exchange, but also drives innovation and enables companies to implement advanced technological solutions that optimize their operations, from material extraction in the case of the mining industry, to remote monitoring, control and management in the value chain in the power industry.

Keep this in mind: every company needs an ally to provide connectivity solutions to maximize its potential, but that ally must understand your business and speak in your industry.