| Olukayode Olajide Federal University of Technology, Nigeria This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | Joshua Adegoke Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Nigeria This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
| Adesina Fisayo Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Nigeria | Olumuyiwa Matthew Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Nigeria |
Purpose
This paper is aimed at presenting Mining Technology Services (MTS) sector with a deeper look at the application of ICT to the field of Mining; its implication to Mine Design, Safety and Productivity. The challenges facing the adoption and development of MTS in Nigeria will also be reported.
Design/methodology/approach
Interview was adopted as the main method used for this research work. Questions were designed to elicit responses about the Mines’ levels and types of ICT expenditures, and the factors that are causing change in ICT spending. Iron Ore Mine, Itakpe, and Enugu Coal Mine, Enugu were studied with a view to determine the impact of ICT on Safety and productivity of the Mines.
Findings/Results/Observations
MTS is at a near-non-existence level in Nigeria. This is mostly predicated by the fact that the Nigerian Mining Sector is underdeveloped due to the focus on crude oil exploration and exploitation at the expense of the vast solid minerals Nigeria is endowed with.
Research implications
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is vital to Mining. Future prospects for ICT-led improvements in the Mining sector are very exciting as many discoveries and innovations remain to be developed. Research and development (R&D) in the application of ICT to Mining is very crucial: substantially more opportunity exists than has been exploited so far and we are still very much at the beginning of the discovery curve for MTS.
Practical and Policy implications
This paper outlines the importance and need for the adoption of MTS as propellant for higher productivity and safety in the Mining Sector.
Three Learning Points for Ghana and Africa
Australia supply 60% of the world’s software and other ICT related services used in Mining. It is hoped that this paper will propel a strong drive for innovative work in the development of MTS industries in Africa.
Keywords: Exploration, Exploitation, Information & Communication Technology (ICT), Mining, Mining Technology Services (MTS), Productivity, Safety
Mr. Olukayode Olajide is an ICT Consultant and is the MD of Exousia Technologies Ltd. He is a Graduate Student of the Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, where he is presently researching on the application of ICT in the MTS industry. He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
