Mining sites are usually located in some of the most remote places in the world. These locations make it difficult for people to communicate when attempting to connect to the equipment, people, and the company system by using radio or cellular technology. But, going to the mining sites without communication means is not an option for anyone, visibility and communication is quite important, especially for making decisions.
Satellite messaging terminals will provide a responsible way to automate M2M (machine-to-machine) communications for monitoring, tracking, and messaging. For the most control and monitoring applications, the option to send scheduled messages is all that is required. This tech meets the increase in the demand for most information in fixed or mobile remote applications and it allows mining companies to share data across different operations without the extra cost connected to continuous connection. In the list below, you will be able to read about some ways to improve the mining operations with satellite communication:
1. Tracking trucks and heavy equipment
Most mining companies started using satellite communications in order to track the location of heavy equipment and trucks. According to Xyber Solutions, if they need information about the truck occasionally, they could opt for a battery operated satellite-messaging terminal with an omnidirectional antenna that only requires minimal installation and generally no maintenance. Once they collect the usage and location data, mining companies can start collecting the data in order to make smart management decisions.
2. Collect data with remote sensors
If companies opt for slowly and manually collecting data, it can have a big impact on the time, as well as the budget. However, with this technology, companies can stop visiting sites with an automated water level monitoring system. With the satellite terminals in place, engineers will no longer be required to visit sites to monitor them, since they will receive notifications when certain parameters are breached.
3. Analyzing weather conditions
Harsh weather conditions can hinder the operations of the mining company. Since wind and rain cannot be controlled, the weather stations can be implemented in order to gain more information on specific activities such as floods, storm detection, and lightning risk. Real-time and historical data is now available to analysts, hence they will know when they should keep the operations running or when to shut them down in order to protect the workers, as well as the equipment.
4. Ensuring safety and protection
One of the main concerns of these companies and other companies as well is to ensure the welfare and safety of their employees. Since these companies focus on reducing the number of accidents and increasing the security of the sites, the companies can choose a vehicle tracking solution that uses a satellite-cellular tracking device. This allows the company to continuously and reliably track vehicle speeds, as well as whether the employees are traveling during times that prohibited, like after dark, as well as through areas that are dangerous. Also, a panic button is available and it will notify a dispatcher in the case of emergency, a car breakdown or a roadblock.
Conclusion
Operating management and remote monitoring require technology that will deliver a reliable, consistent communications service. When satellite messaging technology is implemented into the automation process, the mining company has the necessary tools and the data to increase the productivity, decrease the costs, as well as boost the safety of their employees.
Kim Marks 
Nicola Holder