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NETWORKS & COMMS
NLT network rolled out at AMAK in Saudi Arabia
Subsoil Technologies recently delivered a flagship underground communication network from Australia-based Northern Lights Technologies ’ ( NLT ) to gold miner Al Masane Al Kobra Mining Company ( AMAK Mining ) in Saudi Arabia . The solution delivered to AMAK Mining includes a 1 Gbps WiFi network , real time positioning system for people and equipment with evacuation system and rugged mine phones for workers . This is the first N-Connex network installed in the Middle East by Subsoil Technologies and the 35th installation of its kind globally . Notable installations of the N-Connex network in the Africa and Middle East territory include Ekapa Mining ( formerly Kimberely Diamond Mines ) in South Africa , completed in 2021 and Managem Mining ’ s CMG Draa Sfar completed in 2022 . “ The communication system from Subsoil Technologies will help AMAK to enhance worker safety and efficiency through improved communication . This network gives us the ability to consider further smart mining solutions such as ventilation on demand and production monitoring , which we intend on implementing in the near future ,” says Sinan Burak , AMAK ’ s Mine Manager . Tendayi Mwayi , Sales Director at Subsoil Technologies had this to say : " We selected the N-Connex network for AMAK because it is a modular , plug and play solution built for harsh operating environments typical of highly remote mines such as AMAK . The network is flexible and easily scalable to cater to the demands of both mechanised and conventional rail and track mines ." Subsoil Technologies is a reseller and implementation partner of NLT and other global technology companies including Huawei , Nokia , Centero , CGG and Groundhog Apps in the Africa and Middle East territory . Subsoil ’ s goal is to help mines in Africa and the Middle East to get meaningful value from wireless connectivity and smart mining solutions . Subsoil Technologies also offers private LTE and wireless mesh networks , geotechnical monitoring services and operations management software .
options .
After Varis Mine Technology joined the Becker Mining Group to become Becker-Varis , the technology was further developed and enhanced . Today Becker offers Leaky Feeder systems in a range of different communication bands : VHF , UHF and also LTE bands can be distributed via Leaky Feeder . The signal is processed in Becker ’ s amplifiers that can be 500 m apart from each other , meaning the required hardware is kept to a minimum . The latest addition to the range of available bands is LTE via Leaky Feeder , where a common LTE4G or 5G signal can be processed and distributed via Leaky Feeder . Moreover , Becker ’ s amplifiers are dual-band capable : This way , a UHF signal can be combined with an LTE signal in one Radio communication system . Separating mission critical voice communication from data communication can then be an option . Also worth mentioning is a so called Radio Frequency over Fibre ( RFOF ) solution , where the radio signal is distributed via fibre cable and only transmitted to receivers when needed . In this way , the signal can be transferred to different areas that are geographically apart , for example different shafts or inclines , that belong to one site .
Going the other way around , Becker also offers a solution , to bring Ethernet connectivity onto a mine ’ s existing RF communication system . The solution allows a cost effective retrofit for
existing Leaky Feeder installations , where customers only look to connect a limited number of devices , such as cameras and other IoT devices , or where the life-of-mine is nearing its end , but safety enhancing features should still be implemented .
Going up with bandwidth , Becker ’ s available WLAN options are next . Becker has been deploying WLAN or Wifi systems for over 20 years , from when a WLAN was still a very limited technology and applications were far from what they are today . With more and more customers willing to invest in more automation , the available data must first be communicated or transmitted to where it can be processed . Going wireless means making it easier to connect a multitude of different devices : from sensors to cameras to PLCs and mobile devices .
Today Becker offers a range of Wireless LAN routers and switches , adapted to the harsh environments and specialised infrastructures of mining operations . This means they comply with global industry standards , they are IP65 + protected robust enclosures including plugs and sockets fit for mining , plus have added features such as battery backup , RTLS capabilities ,
multiple devices in one , etc . They are also available as explosion proof versions in ATEX and IECEx .
All devices operate on the latest Wifi6 standard and come with up to 1 Gbit / s bandwidth . Wireless connectivity has been proven to be around 250 m of propagation per direction in underground environments and up to 300 Mbit / s data throughput per wireless module . All devices can be interconnected with fibre optic cables , making it easier to span large areas . Currently the available full option versions WRAP260.200 and WRAP310.2 come with three wireless routers and up to six antenna connectors , allowing for a multitude of connections wirelessly and wired .
The devices always come with an LED interface for quick visual feedback and diagnostic . There ’ s also an RS485 connection available to connect other fieldbus devices .
Becker collaborates with Ericsson
The latest addition to Becker ’ s mining communication solution offering has come through a global partnership with Ericsson . The agreement positions Becker as a global partner for Ericsson installations in the mining industry .
The solution offering specifically targets customers , that require a private cellular network solution onsite , which allows them to communicate via standard mobile phones with an additional SIM-card , that connects to their Private Network . There are a number of advantages of private cellular networks over traditional Wifi networks . One of the drivers for LTE networks is obviously the number of devices , that can connect simultaneously : 10,000 users ( as devices ) does not present a problem for an LTE system . Another advantage over Wifi is the low latency , that is achievable with LTE networks if the correct parameters are set combined with the implemented handshake protocol between access points , that allows for seamless roaming in the entire network . Combined , these two improvements put LTE first , when it comes to automating mobile equipment in particular . With a latency as low as 30 ms and a seamless connectivity , operating mobile machines at ( near ) real-time becomes easier and more intuitive for operators .
The powerful Ericsson Private 4G and 5G solutions come complete with a management and diagnostic tool which has a very intuitive interface and makes it relatively easy to deploy such networks . Depending on the chosen LTE band , bandwidths can go up to 10 Gbit / s for 5G systems .
Becker added that certification processes for private LTE networks widely vary by country currently : Some countries don ’ t require any certified frequency usage at all , whereas others have strict application processes to be able to use a certain frequency band in a certain location . In addition , the Ericsson LTE solutions are currently available for non-hazardous applications only .
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SEPTEMBER 2023 | International Mining 73