For mines to remain profitable, uptime is everything; but interference, gaps in coverage or insufficient bandwidth can directly threaten continuous operations, with those risks being amplified when a shared spectrum network is used, says satellite telecommunications company Globalstar solutions architect Martin Jefferson.

Using a licensed bandwidth, such as the Band n53 spectrum – which is a 3GPP-defined, 11.5 MHz-wide, midband time-division duplexing spectrum by Globalstar – as a core connectivity resource enables mine operators to exercise full control of their telecommunications network, he explains.

Conversely, unlicensed and legacy band spectrum networks suffer from interference that reduces performance and lowers data speeds, in addition to possessing limited and unpredictable latency control, while allowing for little to no control over how bandwidth is allocated, explains Jefferson.

Licensed bandwidth will also enable mine operators to manage bandwidth availability, enforce security and separate mission-critical data from open WiFi traffic, he says.

Through its active South African terrestrial and satellite connectivity network, in addition to working with its partners, Globalstar can provide the local mining industry with critical, high-speed and reliable connectivity solutions, including private 5G networks and its Band n53 spectrum.

“Security is also a concern, particularly in precious metal and diamond mining operations. Networks are a limited shared resource and are not well suited [to] supporting large numbers of connected Internet of Things [IoT] devices across expansive sites,” explains Jefferson.

The use of a licensed spectrum, such as Band n53, allows for a private solution where operators can control how network resources are allocated and which applications receive priority, he notes.

While critical systems can be protected from congestion, Jefferson says multiple vendor devices and handsets can operate on the same network, resulting in predictable performance, stronger security and greater operational control.

Increasing Connectivity

Occurring frequently, poor connectivity leads to equipment downtime, data loss, delayed decision-making, inefficient resource management and fragmented communications, says Jefferson.

Poor connectivity can result in safety risks, weak predictive maintenance outcomes and the inaccurate reporting of operational performance or regulatory compliance.

“A common mistake is failing to plan for the maximum number of connected devices from day one. Networks must be designed for the full-scale environment at the outset, as this is the only way to ensure digital and automation initiatives can scale reliably,” he adds.

Reliable connectivity allows for continuous tracking of personnel, assets and environmental conditions, even in remote or difficult-to-reach areas. Satellite-enabled safety devices can enable workers to send distress alerts and share their location when terrestrial communications networks are unavailable, says Jefferson.

Simultaneously, reliable IoT connectivity supports the monitoring of fuel use, carbon emissions, water quality and tailings conditions, helping mines to demonstrate stronger environmental stewardship while protecting their workforce, he says.

This is foundational, with technologies – such as remote-controlled equipment, real-time seismic monitoring, personnel tracking and automated evacuation alerts – only functioning as intended using highly reliable connectivity, adds Jefferson.

“Without it, automation and worker-protection systems cannot be trusted at scale,” he adds.

However, in challenging environments, these factors further expose the weaknesses of shared networks; in private wireless systems, operators maintain complete control over output power, bandwidth allocation, security protocols and coverage design, thereby enabling the network to be engineered specifically for underground and industrial conditions, notes Jefferson.

He recommends that mining leaders should evaluate connectivity investments based on their return on investment as experienced through increased uptime.

Deployed correctly, a resilient private network could reduce downtime, improve efficiency and support automation while delivering measurable operational savings that outweigh upfront costs, adds Jefferson.

“Digitalisation shifts work from hazardous, manual tasks to higher-value roles, such as remote operations, data analysis and system oversight. Reliable connectivity is what makes these safer, more skilled jobs possible and accessible,” he concludes.