How satellite and wireless tech are revolutionising remote mining connectivity

Remote communications technology is improving miners’ workflows. The combination of satellite and wireless equipment has made environments safer and more sustainable. These are some of the most impactful technologies stakeholders must adopt to combat industry pain points like excessive downtime and severe climate events compromising efficiency.

Safety management centres and emergency response

Wireless communications in any format – especially with high-speed options like Wi-Fi 6 – are crucial for expanding safety coverage. Miners and their equipment can use sensor-based technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) to track themselves and their tools, notifying other operators of their location in real time. The connectivity also informs remote personnel of impending dangers like unstable soils or weather events.

The enhanced oversight also allows organisations to use centralised remote operating and safety management centres. They can edit geofencing parameters, review incidents and send aid without being on-site. With the help of remote abilities, incidents have fallen by 29.7% in China over several years.

These setups also keep more miners away from immediate risk by issuing commands remotely to wirelessly connected equipment. For example, if a sensor-based air quality monitor discovers poor conditions at a prospective jobsite, it can impact safety measures and the responsibilities of the employees in the area.

Autonomous vehicle operations

Digital-first mining networks have adopted 5G and other communications protocols to operate machinery like survey drones. An option like 5G is up to 14.3 times faster than its predecessor, showing how far technology has come to support big data and global telecommunications. The tools allow operators to navigate harsh environments from a safe distance.

Additionally, the vehicles may have internal power sources, enabling staff to keep working despite access to external energy. Compared to 4G LTE, 5G also boasts 90% greater energy efficiency, which cuts resource consumption for mining organisations.

From self-driving trucks to dredgers, the possibilities are expansive because satellite communications are consistent, low-latency and widespread. Some of the most desolate worksites have access to them. As they continue to scale, they allow workers access to places they have never had. Depending on how advanced the autonomous technology is, they can communicate with each other to notify teams about hazards.

Blockchain traceability

Blockchain is a vital communication asset that promotes transparency and accountability in ethical mining businesses. It traces materials by verifying digital transactions to maintain a detailed record of all activity throughout the global market. It is powered by low-Earth-orbit satellites and cloud computing, allowing everyone in the value chain to review and collaborate on a specific mining project.

This functionality benefits collaborators and third parties because it prevents fraud and validates project timeline, which boosts trust between suppliers. Fostering these connections empowers the industry with stronger relationships, leading to greater knowledge-sharing about these business-critical resources. It also informs everyone about global mining activities so stakeholders like environmental remediators can plan for resource availability and habitat rehabilitation efforts.

Keeping communications open

Real-time data and ever-expanding wireless infrastructure are some of the greatest boons to advanced mining. Stakeholders must invest in these resources to keep employees safe and maintain clear communication with everyone. Expanding communications beyond the wires will improve regulatory adherence and ethical operations throughout the sector, transforming companies into competitive thought leaders.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/15102025/how-satellite-and-wireless-tech-are-revolutionising-remote-mining-connectivity/