By: Cecil Maartens - Account Manager MMM Segment for SSA at Schneider Electric

Mining is a high-stake industry and always has been. Few other industries are under so much pressure to consistently deliver products whilst contending with the demands of a world that is racing towards decarbonisation.

It’s quite the challenge; reduce emissions, meet ESG targets whilst building resilient operations.  Which is why it comes as no surprise that mines are now looking for solutions that can assist in cooling this melting pot of demands while also establishing a sustainable future.

Enter technologies that combine environmental responsibility with greater, future-proofed operational intelligence.  One such technology is SF₆-free switchgear, which replaces hazardous sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) with pure air, a greener and sustainable alternative.

Already overcoming the negative impact of a greenhouse gas (GHG) that has global warming potential (GWP) 25,200 times higher than carbon dioxide (CO₂), SF6-free switchgear also embeds digital intelligence for faster decision making.

It’s a win-win in the truest sense and allows mines to overcome a myriad of challenges in one fell swoop. For one, it enables the replacement of SF₆‑based equipment with pure‑air technology. Under South Africa’s Carbon Tax Framework and due to SF6’s potency, mines risk incurring heavy penalties if even minor leaks occur.

Second, with embedded digital intelligence, the SF6-free switchgear can meet mines’ broader purpose, safety objectives and long-term sustainability roadmaps.

Adding intelligence to electrical infrastructure

Today’s modern mining operations rely on electrical networks that must perform continuously, often in demanding environments. Unexpected failures can result in significant downtime, production losses and safety risks.

When advanced monitoring, analytics and connected infrastructure are integrated with SF₆-free switchgear, mining operators gain real-time visibility into the health and performance of their critical electrical assets.

This intelligence - embedded into electrical systems - provide mines with insight across their operations, allowing them to identify risks earlier, and optimise performance. It also creates a connected ecosystem where data becomes an invaluable tool for improving reliability and  productivity.

Digital solutions such as Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Asset Advisor enable condition monitoring and predictive insights, helping operators identify potential risks before they become failures.

From connected assets to connected outcomes

As demonstrated, the evolution of mining technology is increasingly about integration, thus connecting equipment, data and people to create a more complete view of operations.

By connecting electrical infrastructure from the field level through to digital platforms like SF6-free switchgear with native digital intelligence, mining companies can unlock greater value across the entire operational chain.

This approach enables mines to optimise energy consumption, improve equipment availability and support safer working environments while reducing their environmental impact.

Schneider Electric’s World Economic Forum award-winning SF6-free AirSeT range features embedded digital intelligence that offer:

• Condition monitoring: embedded sensors track thermal, humidity, and environmental conditions, reducing downtime and fire risks.
• Arc‑flash protection: optical sensors provide ultra‑fast detection, enhancing worker safety.
• Predictive analytics: 24/7 monitoring and EcoCare 24/7 service plan that enable condition‑based maintenance, cutting maintenance needs by up to 40%.

Mines are now asking, how can technology help us achieve our ESG, energy efficiency and operational functions and ultimately, business impact?

SF6-free switchgear with digital intelligence answers this question by not only eliminating a truly potent GHG as but also providing digital intelligence, which ultimately supports a broader sustainability vision for mining.