IM September 2024 September 2024 | Page 86

NETWORKS AND COMMS
improving the feedback cycle , productivity is improved , and operating costs are drastically reduced . There is also no need to provision and wait for fibre optic cabling , a process that can take years , and at huge expense . With Starlink , you can have connectivity from the first day of the project .”
Another LEO satcomms major is Eutelsat OneWeb . The company states : “ The challenge is that mine operations are often located in remote locations , with poor access to terrestrial networks . Legacy satellite networks don ’ t provide the speed or low latency required for rapid decision making , and their high cost makes them unsuitable for other applications such as staff welfare and quality of life . Mining operations are increasingly digital and generate high volumes of data during day-to-day operations . This data will need to be accessed by both corporate applications and the cloud to make important real-time decisions .” It adds : “ Connectivity is not only a key enabler for safer , more efficient , more sustainable and more profitable operations ; it also helps create a happier and more motivated workforce . Our LEO constellation delivers consistent high-speed connectivity to some of the most remote mining sites on Earth , enabling automated solutions , vehicle telemetry , remote asset monitoring and crew welfare .”
Other players are also offering new high performance satellite solutions for mining – a good example is the multi-orbit ecosystem from SES Networks . SES Networks ’ Signature Mining Solution is a high-throughput hybrid MEO / GEO system that provides ubiquitous internet and private network connectivity at throughput rates up to more than 2 Gbps ( 1 Gbps uplink / 1 Gbps downlink ). Low-latency MEO connects IoT sensors for real-time data capture , wearable technology to monitor miner well-being and safety , drones with real-time video feeds from inspections and monitoring , and operation of autonomous equipment , while GEO ensures business continuity . The company told IM that forward-thinking mining companies , such as Guyana Goldfields , Newcrest Mining ( now part of Newmont ), Ivanhoe Mines and others , are using IP and Ethernet services delivered over SES Networks ’ satellite technology to expand mine productivity , improve safety , and achieve positive business outcomes . The latest development is O3b mPOWER , SES Networks ’ next-generation MEO constellation which it says delivers even more industry-leading throughput , latency and flexibility .
Long standing satcomms player Inmarsat has launched another new offering this year , NexusWave , which is a fully managed connectivity service underpinned by a ‘ bonded ’ multi-dimensional network , offering high-speed connectivity , unlimited data , global coverage , and
‘ secure by design ’ infrastructure . Delivered by a single provider , NexusWave is a fully managed service that seamlessly integrates multiple high-speed networks in real time – Global Xpress ( GX ) Ka-band , low-Earth orbit ( LEO ) services , and as-available coastal LTE service - with an additional layer of L-band for resiliency – for fast , always-on connectivity . The solution also offers enterprise grade firewall security trusted by global enterprises and governments .
The future-proof NexusWave will also integrate the next-generation ultra-high capacity highspeed ViaSat-3 Ka-band service , following expected entry into service in 2025 . It is firmly aimed at the maritime sector but has a lot of potential in mining as well .
Most of the reseller companies are now offering a range of these solutions to give mining customers the greatest choice . As an example , Marlink offers the latest LEO and MEO satellite systems from Starlink , OneWeb and SES , as well as its own global GEO network infrastructure . It states : “ Our future-proofed , end-to-end managed connectivity and digital solutions are reliable and ready to support when you need them . We give you confidence in your network , supporting you on your digitalisation journey to make your remote mining operations more effective and efficient .” It adds : “ We integrate multi-orbit satellite communciations ( LEO , MEO & GEO ), fibre , microwave , and LTE technologies to deliver best available connectivity and IT to support your digitalisation and operational goals , no matter how remote your site .”
Newmont rolling out 5G after successful trials
Newmont Corporation is expanding its use of next generation 5G wireless networks to improve safety in underground mining following trial results from its Cadia mine in New South Wales , Australia .
In February last year , Newmont ( Newcrest as it was then ) announced a trial of 5G in partnership with Ericsson and Telstra Purple at its Cadia mine – one of the largest underground gold-copper
O3b mPOWER is SES Networks ’ next-generation MEO constellation which it says delivers even more industry-leading throughput , latency and flexibility
mines in the world .
Before the trial , Cadia was limited to upload speeds of 20-30 megabits per second ( Mbps ) using Wi-Fi to operate autonomous equipment such as ore loaders and remote-controlled mining machines .
These Wi-Fi connections were unreliable and unpredictable when under load , according to Newmont . There was insufficient capacity to operate the required number of machines in the one area at the same time , particularly with the amount of video upload involved , and automation safety stops were regularly falsely triggered due to network packet loss .
Using Ericsson Private 5G , Newmont was able to demonstrate the ability to achieve upload speeds of around 90 Mbps along access drives and declines throughout the underground complex , and 150 Mbps upload and 500 Mbps download on all-important extraction drives , it says .
The connections underground were found to be persistent and highly dependable , resolving historic limitations experienced with Wi-Fi and providing the consistent performance essential for remote control and autonomous mining systems .
Newmont will now use 5G to roll out more autonomous fleet like drill rigs , graders and auto haul trucks as part of future mining operations
80 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2024