By James 
Mining companies today need to develop long-term strategies for communication like never before. Communication and connection with data systems will bridge the gap between remote sites and their headquarters. It will provide a framework for information to flow freely between all departments and people involved in the mining process.
More companies are turning towards mobile technologies because of their ability to create efficiencies that contribute to success for mining companies. M2M communications support is crucial and mining systems also require the means to have advanced collaboration such as data transfer and clear communication with tunnel sites in mining.
Communications improvements will improve safety in mining and deliver the chance for efficiency improvements. The use of mining sensors and data communication technology is leading to new insights in the form of predictive analysis, which provides actionable insight for mining companies.
Mining sensors monitor equipment and remote sites using smart technology to provide data in real-time. This allows operations managers to make more informed decisions on any changes, thus increasing the productivity of their workforce and optimizing costs. The mining company can analyze data obtained from these devices and use it to identify equipment faults and other potential problems, allowing them to be dealt with before they escalate. Mining companies can also use data gathered from sensors to identify process improvements which will eventually lead to increased productivity, cycle time reductions, and better safety performance.
Using M2M communication technology provides remote sites the opportunity to access information that will allow for improved decision-making, which will lead to better efficiency.
The opportunities that exist today in mining are endless, whether it is for the site of a new mine or trying to improve an existing one. Without this data, management companies cannot accurately determine how profitable their sites are and where future projects should be developed. Improved awareness of the status of critical equipment could possibly mean improved communications and mine safety for the future.
If you would like to learn more about the latest in mining communication, contact us today.
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 radio communication in tunnels 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.