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Gone are the days of traditional, disconnected operations in Canada’s mining sector. Today, miners are turning to cutting-edge connectivity solutions, reshaping how they extract resources deep from the Earth.
Miners, miles underground, can stay seamlessly connected with their teams above, where real-time data flows as freely as the precious materials they unearth. This is not a distant dream; it’s the current reality in Canada’s mining industry, thanks to private 5G networks and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet. These technologies are not just add-ons but vital tools driving the sector toward a smarter, safer, and more efficient future.
In this exploration, we’ll delve into the heart of these innovations, revealing how they transform Canada’s mining operations and pave the way for a new era of ‘Smart Mining.’
Key Takeaways
- Canada’s mining sector is rapidly advancing with modern connectivity solutions like Private LTE/5G and LEO satellites, abandoning traditional, disconnected methods.
- The sector integrates IoT, AI, and automation, boosting efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
- Digital transformation in mining prioritizes environmental and worker safety, aligning with global sustainability goals.
- Incremental digitalization and leveraging existing data is enhancing mining productivity.
- The Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine case study illustrates the effectiveness of these connectivity solutions in improving decision-making, safety, and operational efficiency.
- This technological shift sets a new standard in mining, with Smart Mining Sites embodying the industry’s future.
The Catalysts Behind The Rise of Smart Mining And Mining Connectivity
Digital Transformation and Technological Innovations
Many miners are investing in Industry 4.0 capabilities and automation solutions , such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), to reduce production costs, improve employee safety, and address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters.
Automation in Mining
Autonomous vehicles are revolutionizing mining. They allow humans to remotely communicate with and control machinery, reducing incidents and increasing workforce safety.
Integration of Private Cellular Technology, Edge Computing, and IoT Sensors
Smart mining uses private cellular connectivity, edge computing, and IoT sensors to transform job site data into intelligence. This enables reliable, high-speed connectivity for real-time data collection and processing.
Private cellular networks are increasingly being used to enable digital solutions in mining, which can improve safety, enhance processing and production, lower costs, and optimize performance.
Adoption of IoT and AI
70% of mining companies worldwide believe IoT will give them a significant competitive advantage , with 41% recommending it for business process automation and nearly half claiming that it can be used to find cost-cutting opportunities.
Focus on Sustainability and Safety
Digital transformation is widely accepted as the answer to many challenges in the mining industry , including improving safety and sustainability. In fact, more than half of mining CEOs (53%) say increasing sustainability is one of their highest priorities .
Increased Operational Efficiency
Incremental digitalization is helping many mines become more efficient and productive, leveraging existing data to its fullest extent and supporting all mining companies, regardless of their operational maturity.
Practical Applications Enabled By Mining Connectivity
The Canadian mining sector is a leader in embracing mining connectivity, using innovative solutions like Private LTE/5G, LEO satellites, and advanced wireless technologies. These tools enhance communication and unlock new possibilities in mining operations.
Let’s delve into the specific applications these connectivity solutions enable.
Advanced Geological Exploration
Internet connectivity enables sophisticated exploration technologies that analyze soil, rock, and water. These technologies process large data sets generated by tomographic imaging and aeromagnetic surveys.
Remote-Controlled Drilling and Automated Operations
Connectivity allows for precision blasting and automated ore handling through remote-controlled drilling rigs, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in mining operations.
Autonomous Haulage and Equipment Operation
Reliable internet connectivity is essential for operating autonomous haulage systems and other automated mining equipment, contributing to improved productivity and safety.
Smart Personal Protective Equipment
Connectivity facilitates the integration of smart technologies into personal protective equipment, including communication devices and environmental sensors. This enhances miner safety by providing real-time monitoring of environmental conditions.
Enhanced Situational Awareness
High-bandwidth wireless networks support comprehensive video surveillance, enabling 360-degree situational awareness in mining operations. This includes monitoring through cameras and drones, which is crucial for operational safety and efficiency.
Predictive Maintenance through IoT
Connectivity supports predictive maintenance strategies by collecting and analyzing IoT sensor data. This approach helps anticipate equipment failures and schedule maintenance, reducing downtime in mining operations.
Case Study: Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine’s Connectivity Transformation
The Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories recently took a significant technological leap by implementing a Private 5G and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network. This move aimed to replace outdated communication systems to support modern mining operations like autonomous hauling and real-time equipment monitoring.
Faced with challenges such as its remote location and the need to integrate with existing technologies, the mine overcame these hurdles with its new network. This upgrade has significantly improved real-time decision-making, enhanced worker safety, increased operational efficiency, and resulted in cost savings.
This case study demonstrates the transformative impact of advanced connectivity solutions on mining operations, setting a new standard for the industry.
Mining Connectivity Solutions in Canada
1. Private 5G/LTE
Private LTE/5G networks, designed for sectors like mining, use distinct radio frequencies for reliable connectivity. Their setup involves localized infrastructure, such as cell towers, crucial in remote or challenging environments. These networks ensure enhanced security, high bandwidth, and fast data speeds, which are vital for handling large data volumes in mining.
Critical aspects of Private LTE/5G networks include:
- Dedicated Radio Frequencies: Unlike public networks, they use exclusive frequencies for controlled connectivity.
- Enhanced Security: Operating on private spectrums, these networks offer secure communication channels for sensitive data.
- Reduced Latency in 5G: This technology supports real-time data processing, essential for autonomous vehicles and remote operation systems.
Galaxy Broadband leverages Nokia’s Private 5G platform to offer robust, secure, and low-latency connectivity, enhancing operations across remote Canadian sites. This collaboration aims to increase safety, efficiency, and productivity in challenging operational landscapes.
These networks benefit mining and other industries, such as oil and gas, construction, and utilities. Key features include reliable connectivity, efficient spectrum licensing, dedicated infrastructure for critical communication, and seamless integration with other network technologies​.
2. Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, such as Eutelsat OneWeb and Starlink, represent a new era in satellite communications. Compared to traditional geostationary satellites, LEO satellites orbit closer to Earth. This proximity reduces the time it takes for data to travel to and from the satellite, significantly lowering latency and enhancing data transmission speed.
They offer key benefits:
- Reduced Latency: Closer orbit means faster data transmission, significantly lowering latency.
- Improved Speed and Capacity: Enables high-throughput connectivity, crucial for data-heavy applications.
- Extensive Coverage: Forms a constellation network, ensuring coverage in remote areas, beneficial for industries like mining.
- Continuous Coverage: Multiple satellites work in tandem for constant connection.
Galaxy Broadband recognizes these networks’ potential and integrates LEO solutions like Eutelsat OneWeb into its offerings, catering to the mining industry’s need for reliable, high-speed connectivity. Additionally, Galaxy Broadband incorporates Starlink into its GiiG (Galaxy Intelligent Internet Gateway) solutions, enhancing internet access control and quality of service for remote offices and camp providers.
GiiG offers per-user control and usage regulation, helping manage costs while maximizing user experience. It features content filtering, deep packet inspection, and the ability to prioritize bandwidth access, making it a versatile solution for dynamic and demanding remote environments.
3. Mobile Communications
Mobile communication in sectors like mining, especially in remote or challenging environments, hinges on maintaining constant, reliable connectivity. This is where satellite phone services come into play.
Unlike traditional cell phones that rely on terrestrial cell networks, satellite phones communicate directly with orbiting satellites. This technology enables coverage in remote areas where conventional cellular service is unavailable or unreliable.
Satellite phones are crucial in ensuring safety, enabling emergency communication, coordinating logistics, and facilitating day-to-day operations in remote mining sites. They are designed to withstand rugged environments and offer features like extended battery life, robust build, and global connectivity, making them ideal for use in extreme conditions.
Galaxy Broadband’s offerings in this domain include durable, compact, and easy-to-use satellite phones like the Iridium 9555. These phones support mobile tethering, two-way SMS and email messaging, and an internally stowed antenna, further enhancing their usability in remote operations. Therefore, Galaxy Broadband’s satellite phones serve as a dependable communication lifeline in sectors where consistent connectivity is vital for safety and operational efficiency.
4. Internet of Things (IoT) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
Internet of Things (IoT) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are critical components in Canada’s modern mining operations.
IoT: This technology involves a network of devices equipped with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other systems over the Internet.
IoT devices in mining can range from sensors on equipment to wearable technology for workers. These devices collect data on various aspects of the mining operation, like equipment performance, environmental conditions, and worker health.
SCADA: These systems control industrial processes locally or at remote sites and monitor, gather, and process real-time data.
SCADA systems allow for centralized control and monitoring of mining operations. They gather data from sensors and machines, enabling operators to analyze and respond to real-time information. Thus, SCADA systems enhance operational efficiency and safety.
Galaxy Broadband’s solutions include providing high-speed broadband to support SCADA systems in remote mining locations. They offer hardened outdoor routers designed for large outdoor networks, like those required for SCADA and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. Their services ensure reliable connections, which is essential for the continuous and effective functioning of IoT and SCADA applications .​
5. Voice Over IP (VoIP)
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that allows voice communication and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, like the Internet.
Unlike traditional telephony that uses analog or digital phone lines, VoIP converts voice signals into digital data packets and transmits them over the Internet or other IP networks. This technology enables calls from various devices, including VoIP phones, computers, and smartphones.
Here’s how it works:
- Voice Conversion: VoIP technology first converts the analog voice signal into digital data packets.
- Data Transmission: These packets are transmitted to the recipient over the internet or other IP networks.
- Signal Reconversion: At the receiving end, these packets are converted back into an analog signal that can be heard as voice communication.
Galaxy Broadband offers an integrated VoIP solution, SKYVOICE , which delivers phone service over satellite, fixed wireless, and fiber networks. Their system prioritizes VoIP traffic using Quality of Service (QoS) rules and dedicates bandwidth per line for consistent call quality.
SKYVOICE can support a few single lines to a complete PBX system with Power over Ethernet (POE) phones, making it adaptable for various operational sizes. This service ensures enterprise-grade quality phone systems with features like automatic callback, repeat dialing, caller ID, voicemail, and call forwarding, tailored for remote and challenging environments like mining operations.
Guide to Selecting the Right Connectivity Solution for Mining Operations
For mining operation decision-makers, choosing the right connectivity solution involves a detailed assessment and a strategic approach:
1. Operational Scale and Location
For vast, remote sites like Northern Canada, robust solutions like Private LTE/5G or LEO satellites (e.g., OneWeb) ensure wide coverage.
Smaller operations closer to urban areas might benefit from standard wireless or fiber-optic solutions.
2. Data Needs and Security
Operations dealing with large volumes of sensitive data, such as those using advanced geological mapping tools, require secure and high-bandwidth solutions like Private LTE/5G.
Implementing firewalls and VPNs can further enhance data security.
3. Real-Time Operational Needs
Mines using autonomous drilling equipment or real-time environmental monitoring systems require low-latency solutions, which can be provided by 5G or LEO satellites.
For instance, a mine using remote-controlled vehicles would prioritize a 5G network for its low latency.
4. Integration with Existing Systems
Evaluate compatibility with existing IoT devices or SCADA systems. For instance, a mine with an existing IoT infrastructure would benefit from a network solution that easily integrates and manages these devices.
5. Scalability and Future-Proofing
Consider solutions that can scale with your operation. For example, a growing operation should look for scalable network solutions like LEO and Private LTE/5G to expand coverage as the mine develops.
6. Budget and ROI Considerations
Balance the cost of implementation against potential ROI regarding improved efficiency, safety, and productivity.
But it’s not a this-or-that decision. A Smart Mining Site solution encompasses these factors into a unified system, providing a holistic approach to connectivity.
Smart Sites incorporate technologies like IoT, SCADA, and various network solutions to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and data handling. This makes it a comprehensive choice for mining operations looking to modernize and future-proof their connectivity infrastructure.
Conclusion
Canada’s mining sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation driven by the adoption of cutting-edge connectivity solutions. These innovations, ranging from private LTE/5G networks and LEO satellite technology to IoT and SCADA systems, enhance communication and reshape mining operations.
The case of Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine exemplifies the real-world impact of these technologies, demonstrating significant improvements in efficiency, safety, and decision-making.
As Canadian miners continue to embrace these advanced technologies, they set new standards in the mining industry, paving the way for a future where Smart Mining, characterized by sustainability, safety, and efficiency, is the norm.