Improving Remote Monitoring On Mining Companies Using Satellite Communication

Mine sites are often located in the most remote locations. These outlying locations make communication difficult when attempting to successfully connect people, equipment, and the enterprise system via cellular or radio. However - going without crucial communications is not an option - visibility is essential for critical decision making.

Satellite messaging terminal provide a fiscally responsible way to automate machine-to machine communications for tracking, monitoring, and messaging. For many monitoring and control applications, the ability to send regularly scheduled messages and one-off transmissions is all that is required. The technology meets the increasing demand for richer information in mobile and fixed remote monitoring applications and allow mining companies to share data across diverse operations without added cost associated with continuous connectivity.

Tracking Trucks and Heavy Equipment

Many mining companies are turning to satellite communication to track the location of their heavy equipment and trucks.

If occasional position information were needed, a wise choice would be a battery operated satellite-messaging terminal with an omnidirectional antenna that requires minimal installation and virtually no maintenance. If more detailed position information is required, a satellite terminal that can plug into the power of the  vehicle is even a better selection.

Once location and usage data of equipment fleets are established, mining companies can immediately start collecting data to make intelligent fleet management decision. For instance, a monitoring application can locate missing equipment, distribute vehicle usage across the entire fleet and plan for maintenance activities. This can have a sizable impact on capital expenditures, as well as overall cost savings and operational efficiency. 

Collecting Data with Remote Sensors

The slow and manual collection of data from mission critical remote monitoring stations can be costly in term of time and budget. With satellite monitoring technology, mining companies can eliminate routine site visits with an automated water level monitoring system.

The solution relied on sensors connected to a satellite messaging terminal. Information is sent via satellite at regular intervals as well as when the system raises an alert when a parameter that is being monitored has crossed predetermined thresholds.

With satellite terminals in place, engineers no longer have to travel to the monitored sites as often and now receive immediate notification when a specific parameter has been breached.


Analyzing Weather Conditions

Harsh weather can have detrimental effects on mining operations. While rain and wind cannot be controlled, remote weather stations can go a long way in providing the information needed for activities such storm detection, flood and lightning risk management and scheduling blasts.

Analysts now have a real-time and historical data for forecasting and also know when to keep mining operations running or to shut them off to protect people and equipment.


Automating Tanks For Peak Production

Liquid tanks are a common asset in our industrial landscape. Many of these work quietly in the background as their large. yellow, and mechanized counterparts take spotlight for performance and functionality.

Rather than manually checking tank levels through site visits, mining companies are turning to automated tank monitoring using satellite technology. With satellite messaging terminals, notifications can be set up to alert personnel when a refill is needed and can provide an overview of all the tanks and their levels.

The automation of the tank refilling process allows mining companies to plan which fluid needs to be filled and where the tanks are located, making efficient use of personnel time and vehicle use.


Ensuring Security and Protection

Ensuring the safety and welfare of employees, especially at high risk sites, is a constant concern for many companies.

Focusing on reducing the number of accidents and increasing the overall security of travelling workers, the mining company use a vehicle tracking solution that used a satellite-cellular tracking device. This solution allows the company to reliably and continuously track vehicle speeds, whether employees are traveling during prohibited times (such as after dark) and whether employees are moving through high risk areas.

A panic button is also available to notify dispatch of any emergency, road block or vehicle malfunction. The real time visibility supplied by a dual communication device offers a much-needed layer of safety and security for employees traveling through vast areas over difficult terrain.


Solution For Many Types of Problems

Remote monitoring and operations management requires technology that delivers consistent, reliable communications service. When satellite messaging technology is integrated into automation processes, the mining industry has the tools and the information to increase productivity and decrease costs across the enterprise, achieving the ultimate ROI.