COMMUNICATIONS
PHONING IN TO THE FUTURE OF MINING THE MINING INDUSTRY’S COMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITIES HAVE PROGRESSED IN LEAPS AND BOUNDS OVER THE PAST DECADE, OPENING THE DOOR TO MORE ROBUST AND SOPHISTICATED OPERATIONS.
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t the heart of any effective mining operation is a foundation of strong communications. Gone are the days where mining communications only relied on a simple two-way radio, with the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) technology linking sites and workers to the digital cloud, boosting efficiencies through remote operations, automation and sensor technology. These technologies rely on robust communications networks such as fibre and satellite technology, which can be gamechangers for the entire gamut of mining operations, including the processing time
of drilling assays. Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing services inked a longterm deal with BHP in June to shift its global portfolio to the platform. Cloud-based solutions for mining have also received government interest, including Microsoft and Nokia’s partnership with the South Australian Government in September, which is set to deliver Microsoft Azure Space capabilities. Azure is focussed not only on off-world telecommunications and cloud connectivity, but also the delivery of better connectivity for the resources sector. “This important collaboration with Nokia will allow Australian organisations in multiple sectors to
take a giant leap forward into a new era of communications and cloud computing, making the most of space data and technology and catapulting them to the very forefront of digital innovation,” Microsoft Australia Azure Space lead Lynn McDonald says. Fleet Space Technology is developing satellite technology that connects the Earth, Moon and Mars, while also leveraging the technology for terrestrial industries, including mining. The company’s chief executive officer and co-founder, Flavia Tata Nardini, explains how satellite technology is transforming mineral exploration. “The world is adopting millions of devices particularly in the industry to change the way the industry operates … so mining, oil and gas, agriculture and transport are deploying thousands of devices,” Nardini, speaking at the South Australian Government’s 2021 Copper to the World Conference, says. The path forward for low-
power global communications will use nanosatellites, which are particularly important for remote regions where mining and mineral exploration occurs. Mineral exploration projects require large amounts of seismic data to be processed, which can be costly with current satellite solutions. By combining machine learning and satellite technology, Fleet Space Technology’s satellites can streamline geophysical surveys to only transmit what is necessary, saving time and cost. “The machine learning, edge computing and AI (artificial intelligence) can actually analyse it in the field,” Nardini says. “They just send what’s necessary through the network, but it gives you the insight and you have the data the day after when the team is already in the field.” Thanks to the capabilities of the wide sensor arrays, seismic data can be uploaded the day after rather than having to wait months or weeks, which drives down unnecessary drilling costs and
SEPURA’S TETRA RADIOS ARE USED BY MINE SITES ACROSS THE GLOBE.
AUSTRALIANMINING
24
NOVEMBER 2021
