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Mining goes wireless

Equinox Minerals, potentially one of the world's largest copper mines near Lumwana in North Western Zambia, sought out Communication Solutions (Comsol) to assist it in setting up a wireless network for data and voice connectivity.

Equinox was a 'green fields' development. This means there was no on-site infrastructure, including telecommunication systems. The mining operation consists of a main office site and various other operational entities scattered over about 25 square kilometres. All these sites required interconnectivity to the data/voice infrastructure at the main office where a VSAT system linked the mine to the outside world. Services like voice also had to be distributed to the other sites on the mine.

After assessing Equinox's specific communication needs, Comsol recommended the installation of a total Pre-WiMax broadband solution that enabled it to speedily provide voice and data connectivity to all their operational sites across the mine even where these sites were still under construction.

Connectivity inside these sites is provided by rugged outdoor WiFi Mesh networks, which distribute services wirelessly. Users at these sites can then wirelessly connect to the mine's network with PCs, laptops, PDAs or any device that supports WiFi connectivity. Portable wireless voice over IP (VoIP) phones connect users anywhere at these sites to the mine's PBX situated at the main office. The system is also designed to accommodate CCTV applications for security purposes.

"Comsol is proud to have successfully assisted Equinox in cost-effectively providing instant connectivity to any current and future expansion at the mine. The system is designed to be easily upgradeable as far as range and capacity is concerned. In other words the network expands along with development at the mine," says Matie Strydom, technical director of Comsol.

All equipment was sourced from reputable manufacturers offering 'carrier' grade quality. Comsol identified the needs and requirements of the mine, sourced the products and did installation of the telecommunication system, working with other parties in the data and PBX industry.

Iain Stevenson, managing director of Comsol, says, "Comsol has been involved in a number of mining projects in southern Africa. We are delighted to see the value-add that our wireless networks have brought to these operations."

While Comsol's revenue is presently generated primarily from the sale and installation of equipment, there is an increasing move towards more annuity type revenue generation from maintenance of installed systems.

"WiMAX is an ideal solution for Africa as it has limited cable infrastructure and is also much cheaper and time-effective to roll out. This enables our clients to have minimal down-time and maximum cost efficiency," Stevenson concludes.

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