Mining operations require coordination of the largest and most expensive machines in extreme environments, which can be dangerous for personnel and equipment. Wireless mining communication networks support the transmission of data, voice, and video for efficient and safe mine operation.
Ruggedized Wireless Communication Products
Wireless communication products used in mining environments must be ruggedized to withstand extreme weather conditions, temperatures, shock, vibration, and dirt. They need to be easily moved and set up in new locations every few months. Networks designed to maximize benefits must have broadband speeds, be flexible and reliable, and support multiple applications securely on a single cost-effective infrastructure.
Fleet Management
Fleet management systems optimize mine operations by maximizing productivity and capital efficiency through real-time vehicle positioning and guidance. Reliable, high performance and flexible mobile networks are needed to keep mines running.
Telemetry Monitoring:
Real-time telemetry monitoring increases productivity, reduces costs, and improves safety for heavy-duty mining machines. Data collected includes truck speed, tire temperature and pressure, and load. The data is used for early equipment problem identification, remote diagnostics, and scheduling of optimal time for routing and preventative maintenance.
Real-time Video Feeds
Real-time video feeds increase safety and situational awareness, providing visibility 24/7 into the activities of the pit. If a problem is detected, operations can respond quickly while time-stamped recordings support remote correlation between alarms and actual events.
Video Surveillance
Video surveillance allows remote monitoring of important facilities, such as explosive storage sites and mixing sites. This technology is used for perimeter security and monitoring of illicit activities, and site entry, as well as in emergencies like fires or storm damage.
Access Control
Access control ensures that only authorized personnel can enter the site, maintaining security and safety. The access control methods are varied and include keypads, fobs, key cards, and biometrics.
Safety System Monitoring
Real-time monitoring of safety systems includes “man down” applications and streaming radar scans to detect movement in pit walls that could indicate stability problems, improving the site and personnel security.
This post was written by Justin Tidd, Director at Becker Mining Communications! For over 15 years, Becker Communications has been the industry’s leader in mining radio communication systems and electrical mining communication systems. As they expanded into surface mining, railroads, and tunneling they added wireless communication systems, handheld radios, tagging and tracking systems, as well as gas monitoring.
