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cross global industry, the use of satellites has evolved from a backup, niche solution to a critical enabler of real-time operations and data-enriched decision making, allowing enterprises to operate more efficiently anywhere on Earth.
The mining industry is no different. For years, technology, investment and innovation focused on delivering the vision of the digital mine, where connected sensors, data platforms and autonomous systems are integrated into mining operations, to drive productivity, yield and safety.
However, there are barriers to building such a system. Integrating highly complex technologies into mining operations comes with a broad range of challenges, including high upfront costs, lack of standardisation hampering interoperability, cybersecurity risks and a wider resistance in pockets of the industry to let go of age-old processes.
To overcome these barriers and realise the promise of the digital mine, satellite technology must meet mining companies where they are.
Contextual layers
For mining companies, context is everything. Understanding the finer details, from weather conditions, seismic activity and employee location to equipment status, is crucial to ensure mining operations run smoothly and to time.
Three layers of context are essential for successful mining operations. First there is functional context, which relies on IoT sensors. These sensors allow mining operators to monitor people, assets and processes, as they move throughout the mine, building a broader picture of what is happening across all aspects of mine operations, on a minute-by-minute basis.
For example, if a safety alert is triggered by an event on-site, assets and people can be tracked to mustering points or similar areas of safety, and immediate action taken for those that may be missing. Building on this foundational level of insight is the next layer, operational context, which is enabled by broadband connectivity. With broadband, mining operators can stack additional contextual capabilities, like live video feeds and real-time communications, on top of the insights delivered by IoT sensors.
When an issue is flagged by a sensor, broadband provides live video feeds and real-time communications. With this layer of context, the mining operator is made aware of the issue by the sensor, then able to remotely determine what action to take. This capability is facilitated by high-speed broadband connectivity, which enables the real-time delivery of assets like video feeds or communications, so that contextual insight can be delivered and acted upon in real time.
The final layer is situational context, which relates to an 'eagle-eye view' of the mine. Situational context is vital for discovering new areas to target or tracking environmental impact to reduce the risk of water pollution and land degradation. Floods, seismic events and wildfires that could impact the mine can also be tracked over time. This contextual layer is underpinned by Earth observation technology.
Satellite solutions
In an ideal world, mining operators would access all three contexts simultaneously, allowing them to make informed, accurate and, most importantly, fast decisions.
Satellite technologies, including Earth observation and narrowband or broadband connectivity, provide a crucial technological layer that underpins access to all three contexts. However, if these technologies are only available separately, then mining companies are forced to invest in multiple technologies, working with multiple partners, and are burdened with the complexity of integrating multiple platforms into their existing technology stack. The costs associated with integrating and supporting multiple solutions adds another barrier.
With the increased use of open standards, mining companies no longer need to have custom-built equipment at the edge. Instead, they can pick and choose the solutions to meet their needs and integrate them seamlessly.
As part of its broader opening-up, the satellite industry is now offering packaged solutions that encompass multiple technologies that can flexibly map to customer need, negating adoption challenges and reducing costs. This makes the technology solution viable and sustainable. Ultimately, we are seeing an active shift where satellite companies are bringing capability to market that matches the needs of the customer.
Open Cosmos is adopting exactly this approach. Our layered architecture, which incorporates Earth observation, broadband and IoT, allows us to deliver packaged capabilities to our clients. We allow our clients to select the tools that solve their business challenges.
Investing in the future
Beyond the digitalisation of operations, this is also about prioritising the wellbeing of the workforce. Without happy and healthy miners, the industry cannot operate effectively. Satellites have a role to play here too.
In the past, traditional VSAT technology was only used by mining operators for critical functions, like connecting to HQ or making emergency calls. This restriction limited mining operations and stopped employees from communicating with their families back home or accessing entertainment in their downtime.
Like many other industries, mining involves spending lots of time away from home, which can be especially challenging in a modern world that is constantly connected. From cargo ships to remote oil rigs, the global workforce now demands connectivity. For areas where access to traditional terrestrial infrastructure is limited or cut off entirely, satellite broadband connectivity is the only solution.
Relating back to the contextual layers, satellite technology also adds an extra layer of necessary insight for crew safety – not just mentally but physically too.
Suppose an employee falls ill in a mine shaft. In the past, without access to accurate contextual insights delivered in real time, precautionary measures that may be unnecessary would be taken. An emergency call would be made, a plane or helicopter would be sent out, wasting time and resources if the person is not in immediate medical danger.
With access to broadband connectivity onsite, mining operators could set up a telemedicine facility. For health-related concerns that do not require immediate, emergency care – a decision that could be made with that additional layer of contextual information – informed diagnoses could be made remotely, and the appropriate steps would follow. The entire process runs more smoothly, and the right decision is made, in the right time. That is what satellite technology brings to the table.
Similarly, satellite technology can also benefit the wider communities around mines. Often, mining companies support the local areas where they operate mines, investing in high-speed broadband connectivity to be available for local schools, hospitals or libraries.
Previously, establishing access to VSAT broadband was difficult, as the technology was expensive and complex to install. But with the proliferation of flat-panel terminals and more bandwidth at lower costs, stories like these will become increasingly common.
Delivering true value
So how do satellite companies deliver true value to the mining industry? First, they must map their solutions directly to the industry's core challenges.
It needs to be easy to integrate satellite technology into operations, both from a cost and a complexity perspective. Once mining companies see the value of satellite technology without the barriers to adoption, investment will become a no-brainer.
Ultimately, opening to the world means listening to customer needs, and placing them at the core of everything you do. This is the direction the satellite industry should be heading in.
