The global need for minerals, fossil fuels, and other materials extracted by mining operations continues to grow. One estimate says nearly 400 new mines must be opened to meet the demand for rare earth minerals used in electric batteries. In the face of unprecedented demand, many mining operations are leveraging direct-to-satellite connectivity to optimize productivity, efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
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Mining operations are increasingly becoming digitized, connected, and automated, with equipment manufacturers embedding more digital technology into the equipment. As they do, mining operations are becoming more dependent on internet connectivity, which is now used for machinery control, monitoring, and data collection. Companies might use a 5G connection to handle all these emerging digital technologies in developed areas. However, most mines are located in remote locations without 5G coverage. Therefore, satellite connectivity has emerged as an essential component in most mining operations.
How DTS Connectivity Works
Satellite communications have historically been based on geosynchronous satellites, which track an area on Earth as the planet rotates. Recently, satellite communications fleets like Starlink and OneWeb have forgone the legacy approach for a low-earth orbit (LEO). Rather than being more than 22,000 miles above the Earth’s surface, Lego satellites like the International Space Station and Hubble telescope orbit at an altitude of just 1,200 miles.
A main benefit of this lower orbit is much lower latency compared to higher orbits. For mining operations, this means fast communications for voice and data. Audio and video streaming using an LEO direct-to-satellite connection are almost in real-time. Because of their relative proximity, LEO satellites also do not require as much power to communicate as satellites and higher orbits.
Direct-to-satellite communications typically involve very small satellites about the size of a human fist and weighing around 3 pounds. This makes these satellites much easier to deploy, with a single rocket launching dozens of satellites. These small satellites are also cost-effective.
LEO satellites also do not maintain a geosynchronous orbit. They typically orbit the Earth every 90 minutes. Because of their speed and size, many of these satellites are needed to sustain a useful level of coverage. It can take thousands of LEO satellites to achieve global coverage.
Direct-to-Satellite Technology in Mining
Just as a 5G network would allow for countless applications in any industrial operation, direct-to-satellite connectivity opens up a Pandora's box of uses in mining. The technology tends to be the most used in the following areas.
Remote operations and automation
Mining operations are becoming increasingly automated, and direct-to-satellite connectivity paves the way for automation in remote areas. In addition to automation, direct-to-satellite connectivity also allows for the collection of operational data that can be used to manage and adjust operations.
Data transmission
Like the rest of the world, mining operations are increasingly being influenced by data collection and analytics. Direct-to-satellite connectivity facilitates fast data transfer rates with low latency, allowing real-time data collection. Mining companies can also leverage the fast data transmission rate for video conferencing and online collaboration.
Safety and emergency response
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mining industry is one of the most dangerous industries on Earth. Despite strict safety protocols and regulations, mining fatalities increased by 31% in 2023.
Direct-to-satellite connectivity helps mining operators detect potential safety issues, such as slope collapse before they occur. Connectivity also expedites emergency response.
Environmental monitoring
According to a study published in Nature Geoscience, the global mining industry is responsible for about 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Direct-to-satellite connectivity helps operations track emissions and target objectives for compliance or certifications.
Benefits of DTS Connectivity in Mining
The speed, power, and resiliency of direct-to-satellite connectivity translate into several valuable benefits for the mining operations that use it. These benefits include flexibility, system redundancy, greater reach, and greater sustainability.
Legacy networks require regular investment and adjustments as connectivity needs shift, often related to changes in the locations of mining operations. With expansive planet coverage, LEO satellites offer a more flexible solution than legacy networks. If conditions or locations change, a satellite network can easily accommodate.
Direct-to-satellite connectivity can be the primary source of mining communications but can also serve as a redundant system. If a data network goes down or operations move outside the coverage zone, satellite communications can fill the breach and allow operations to continue.
Satellite communications are also ideal for multinational mining conglomerations that need global reach. The continuous coverage provided by direct-to-satellite connectivity allows large mining corporations to maintain and manage operations across the globe. Companies can oversee everything from exploration to predictive maintenance, all from a single location.
As the mining industry strives to become more sustainable, satellite communications help mining operators monitor and reduce emissions. For example, satellite connectivity can reduce emissions by optimizing the routes of heavy vehicles. Direct-to-satellite connectivity can also help with data collection that can be used to develop more efficient operations, reducing energy use.
Challenges and Limitations of Direct-to-Satellite Connectivity
Satellite connectivity faces technical challenges to wider adoption of the technology. It also faces significant governance issues.
As LEO satellite systems proliferate, increasing questions will be asked about how communications in international space should be governed. These satellites also use ground-based infrastructure in different countries as part of their network, and the consumers of this connectivity can also be in various countries around the globe. Sorting out which laws apply and which regulatory bodies should oversee satellite communications must and will be done.
One of the biggest technical challenges is the already-crowded electromagnetic spectrum. Satellite communications currently operate within the ‘Ka’ band, which can be affected by bad weather. Significant networking challenges are also related to the speed and constantly changing position of LEO satellites.
Future Trends in Direct-to-Satellite Connectivity in Mines
The future of direct-to-satellite connectivity will involve overcoming the current challenges. To address bandwidth issues, satellite communications may shift into higher frequency bands.
One recent research paper found that frequencies between 102 and 109.5 GHz are optimal for communications between satellites and ground infrastructure. Future satellites may employ onboard signal processing and date every generation abilities to address latency and connectivity issues. This would facilitate the movement of data packets among satellites, significantly reducing the distance packets have to travel from the satellite network to a destination on the ground.
References and Further Reading
Azadi, M. et al. (2020 February 3). Transparency on greenhouse gas emissions from mining to enable climate change mitigation. Nature Geoscience. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-020-0531-3
Cotts, T. et al. (2024 August 27). Multi-Orbit Satellite Connectivity Accelerating Digitalization and Optimizing Performance in the Mining Industry. Intelsat. https://www.intelsat.com/resources/blog/multi-orbit-satellite-mining-industry/
Inaltekin, H. et al. (2024 June 3). Future satellite communications: Satellite constellations and connectivity from space. ITU Journal Future and evolving technologies. https://www.itu.int/pub/S-JNL-VOL5.ISSUE2-2024-A20
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