Mining Sites in Australia rely on Satellite Communications

Many of today's mining companies face tremendous challenges accompanying their growth. In Western Australia, the sector has seen a boom but along with it, the rise of unique geographic and operational challenges. Rich mining sites are often found in remote regions, and the cost of bringing in equipment and human resources is quite expensive. The booming mining economy in Western Australia has also seen fierce competition among mining companies who hope to keep the best staff within their turf. To do this, companies invest greatly on employee welfare, trying their to best to ensure the safety of miners, and of course, their entertainment. However, the remoteness of mining locations often force the companies to spend on a costly FIFO or Fly-in Fly-out scheme, to help deter homesickness among employees. 

Mining boom in Western Australia presents unique challenges

An alternative to the FIFO scheme is an investment on satellite communications for mining. Due to geographic limitations, mining sites cannot fully rely on terrestrial communications infrastructure. Some of these sites are simply too-far flung for the reach of fibre optic networks and cables. What satellite communications offer is unbridled infrastructure that can be the groundwork of improved infotainment systems in mining sites for the miners. 

High-speed data carried by satellites allows entertainment systems to be built in this distant work locations even in the harshest environments. These robust communications systems give miners the opportunity to connect with their loved ones through voice and video conferencing, lessening the stress from an exhausting fly-in and fly-out scheme, as well as the emotional test of homesickness. Digital entertainment platforms can also be built to provide miners off-duty activities. They can stream movies, enjoy Skype, free-to-air TV, as well as make the most of room-to-room communications. 

Satellite broadband in place in mining sites

In Australia, the Mining Camp Entertainment Systems and R-Group has relied on satellite communications from NewSat to deliver real-time, streamlined, satellite communications to over 1,000 rooms across various mining sites. By providing miners connectivity, as well as entertainment, mining companies are focusing on improving employee retention and productivity, as well as reducing operational cost from employees constantly leaving and returning. Unique solutions such as these are crucial for a mining industry facing equally unique hurdles as result of the booming mining economy in WA. Innovative solutions are now the determining point in helping mining companies succeed in remote regions.