Reimagining mining operations with satellite connectivity
How smart transformation of the mining industry can overcome growing challenges.
December 11, 2023
7 minutes
Today, the mining and energy industries face a range of challenges.
1
Market volatility
Fluctuating prices and demand are increasing financial risk for organisations.
2
Challenging geographies
Delivering reliable infrastructure to remote and rural locations is often difficult, as many areas don’t have access to terrestrial connectivity.
3
Increasing environmental standards
With growing concerns around climate change, there are now more regulations around environmental impact, such as the IMO 2020 sulphur cap for offshore oil and gas.
4
New regulations for welfare and health and safety
Since the pandemic, demands for improved occupational health, like tracking and monitoring of the workforce, are rising.
The need for smarter operations
Despite growing external pressures, forward-thinking leaders are looking to thrive by embracing digital transformation.
The global smart mining market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.40% over the forecast period of 2021-2026.
With the shift to smart solutions, mining companies can expect:
Up to 3 to 5% reduced upstream operating costs for the oil and gas sector.
45% improved profits within the next two to three years.
Don’t fall behind
If organisations don’t take advantage, they risk losing their competitive edge.
84%
of mining companies are adopting cloud solutions
56%
of mining companies are merging IT/OT departments
84%
of mining companies are adopting cloud solutions
56%
of mining companies are merging IT/OT departments
Next-generation connectivity
The need for highly reliable connectivity will only grow as more mining companies embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimise their operations. Smart technology requires reliable access to the cloud, which can be difficult across highly dispersed and remote locations. To embrace smart mining solutions, mining operators will need to find superior connectivity that offers:
1
High throughput
Uninterrupted data flow is essential for new IoT applications.
2
Low latency
Minimal delay for real-time remote operations and autonomous controls.
3
Secure connection
Encrypted or protected traffic for direct cloud connectivity and real-time analysis.
4
Stable access
Reliable fibre-equivalent connectivity for IP-based voice and video collaboration.
What are satellite-enabled networks?
Even in some of the most remote places on the planet, next-generation multi-orbit satellite systems can transform mining projects into intelligent ecosystems for improved productivity, safer working, and better business outcomes.
With the help of our partner, the Société Européenne des Satellites (SES), our satellite-enabled networks can deliver cost-effective and high-capacity connectivity to your mining operation, wherever it is.
Why BT and SES for smart mining?
1. Accelerated transformation
Transition to an ultra-intelligent smart mine with our automated network-as-a-service platform to easily connect, control and streamline operations.
2. Better asset management
Connect geographically distributed operations within our single management hub for real-time, cross-operational visibility and accurate insights across your ecosystem.
3. Reduced infrastructure costs
Experience fast deployment times and dynamic network control to scale up or down depending on your requirements or lifecycles at the time.
4. Improved safety, security, and efficiency
Deploy thousands of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and devices across your mining ecosystem for predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and remote control.
5. Unrivalled quality of experience
Unlock full mine automation and performance improvements for business-critical applications. Embrace digitisation and provide reliable, future-proof connectivity for your mining operations.
