Whitepaper - Mine Communications DH Muller 2016 r1

WHITE PAPER
Mission critical mine communications
Exploring the aspects that are crucial in the
analysis and implementation of mission
critical mine communications
Author: Dietrich Muller
International Sales Executive
Global Communications
a Member of Hudaco Trading

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WHITE PAPER – Mission Critical Mine Communications (D.H. Muller)
Communication solutions through technology
Global Communications a division of Hudaco Trading Pty Ltd. Reg No 1984/005432/07
Divisional Directors: S.A. Mervitz (MD), B.A. Smith (FD), P.D. Werner *, E.L.Baker* (*non-executive)
Directors: G.R. Dunford (Managing), C.V. Amoils, P.C Baloyi *, D.D. Mokgatle*, D. Naidoo* (*non-executive)
Secretary: Hudaco Group Financial Services Pty Ltd
Abstract
Mission critical communications are
crucial in the mining environment not
only to ensure consistent and reliable
operations but also to facilitate
security. The protection of assets and
critical response times also play a
crucial role when deciding on the right
communications platforms.
From initiation to implementation, it
often times becomes essential to have
an accurate and reliable site survey
and roll out plan.
There are also numerous
environmental influences and possible
challenges associated with
communication systems, partnering
with the right reputable company are
central in the establishment and
continuous sustainability of any
communications system.
This paper explores the process and
aspects relating to the establishing of
reliable and consistent
communications in the mining
industry.
Table of Contents
1. Abstract - Page 1
2. Introduction - Page 2
3. Solutions - Page 2
4. Challenges - Page 3
5. Various options - Page 4
6. Methodology - Page 5
7. Who is Global - Page 6
8. Conclusion - Page 7
9. Contact us - Page 8

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Introduction
Communications are the backbone of
any relationship, company and
organisation. We are faced with an
array of possible instant
communications methods and
solutions that range from Cellular
phones, smart devices, VOIP, Satellite
systems and two-way radios to a
multitude of integrated solutions.
Finding the right method of
communicators for each environment
can become a huge challenge for
those individuals that has limited to
no knowledge of the limitations,
capability and possibilities of each
technology.
When it comes to the mining
environment communications are
crucial in the day to day operations,
protection of assets, response to
emergencies and the consistent
reduction of losses.
This paper explores the methodology
and aspects relating to establishing
the required mission critical
communications in the mining
environment.
Solutions
Internationally technology has been
moving towards being more digitally
enabled than ever before. In the
communications arena, this is no
different.
Radio Frequency is considered a
resource and due to the massive
requirement for Frequencies across
the world, digital technologies are
being developed to increase the
number of available Frequencies while
continuously increasing the capability
of voice and data across multiple
platforms.
Radio communications systems and
technology are still the most reliable

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and effective method of mission
critical communications.
Digital Radio solutions that are
available in the market include, but
are not limited to:
1. Nexedge NXDN
2. DMR
3. Tetra
4. LTE
Other methods of communications
include, but are not limited to:
1. Analogue PMR
2. HF Communications
3. Satellite voice and Data
4. GSM
5. VOIP
Systems can be integrated and linked
via a multitude of methods and IP
infrastructure technologies that
provide extended communications
ranges for groups and individuals over
wide areas.
Multiple security and redundancy
methods can also be implemented
across systems and equipment to
provide reliable and consistent
mission critical communications.
Certain radio and communications
technologies allow for equipment to
be used in potentially explosive or
flammable environments. There are
ratings and standards that govern
these equipment types that is
environment specific.
Identifying the requirements,
expectations and aim of a system is
the start in finding the right
technology, for the right environment
to give the required coverage area
and functionality.
Challenges
In establishing consistent, reliable and
mission critical communications
various environmental and
technological factors should be
considered.

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These factors greatly affect the type
of equipment to be used as well as
the implementation of the systems.
Factors that affects communications
systems includes but are not limited
to:
1. Environmental temperature
2. Power availability and
consistency
3. Antenna height
4. RF interference
5. RF propagation equipment
types
6. Topography
7. Equipment quality
8. Frequencies used and in use
9. Infrastructure availability
When planning a system, an extensive
site and environment analyses should
be performed to determine the
communications requirements as well
as the possible challenges any system
would face.
Equipment and Operational Training
should also be considered prior to
implementation of any system to
ensure a smooth and bug-free roll out
of the system.
Various Options
As mentioned before, there are a
variety of options.
In the mining environment, there
could be a need to communicate short
or long range, or even to other
remote mines in other countries.
Options that are usually considered in
the mining environment are:
1. Local communications between
groups and individuals
2. Wide area communications
3. Long range HF communications
4. Satellite communications
These options can be integrated into a
single platform to enable cross-
platform communications as well as
establish consistent fleet
management. Digital radio as well as
the control room integration
technologies available allows for
consistent fleet and assets
management and control.

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Methodology
Every mine faces its own challenges as
well as environmental factors. No two
mines are the same in operational
requirements and topographical
layout. There might be similarities
between mines and mining houses,
but when it comes to communications
there are a variety of aspects that
could cause a communication
breakdown.
In order to ensure that a system is
correctly approached and
implemented from the start, the
following approach should be
considered prior to procurement of
any system:
1. A mine site analyses should be
implemented by a reputable
and experienced company
2. The identification of the
technology requirements to
establish the expected
communications should be
implemented
3. A complete rollout plan
including additional equipment
requirements should be created
4. Long term sustainability and
growth of the system should be
planned and scheduled
Once all the factors that will affect the
roll out have been identified, the
equipment types required has been
recognised and the system has been
planned, the procurement process
could be done safely.
At times the company that does the
site analyses might have to perform
certain tests to ascertain feasibility,
signal strength or possible
environmental variables. This process
falls well in line with the required due
diligence expectations.
Questions to ask would include:
- Area coverage requirements
- Above or below ground
communications
- Environmental Factors and
Challenges
- Tower availability for repeaters
- Power availability
- How many radio units required
- Expected life span of system
- Security Requirement

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Who is Global
Communications?
Global Communications is part of the
Hudaco group of companies that has
extensive knowledge and technologies
for use in the mining environment.
Global Communications have been
established in 1977, and for over 40
years have been developing and
supporting the African market with a
variety of communications solutions
in almost every market.
Global’s capability ranges from the
study, project design and systems
analyses of the full radio
communications spectrum, to the
supply and installation of the full
range of radio equipment that we
supply.
Our full range of products that
enables us to implement and support
includes:
- Kenwood radio systems
- Nexedge and DMR Digital Radio
- Zetron control systems
- JPS Raytheon Interoperability
- Barrett Tactical
- Datron
- Airspan WiMAX, Wireless
- Aviat Digital Microwave
equipment
- Keymile Multiplexers
- Fibrolan Metro Ethernet and
fibre optic solutions
- 4RF Microwave backhaul
- Sagittar Microwave backhaul
- JVC CCTV Surveillance
equipment
- Rohill Tetra infrastructure
- Damm Tetra infrastructure
- Sepura Tetra mobiles and
portables
- Convex Simulcast solutions
- Daniels High end repeaters
- Piciorgros Data Terminals
- Webgate CCTV
Global provides Site and systems
analysis, implementation and supply,
maintenance and support.

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Global Communications is a market
leader in the design and supply of
communications infrastructure on
diamond, coal, gold, platinum and
copper mines in Africa.
We specialise in both open cast and
underground mining solutions.
We are looking forward to partnering
with you in growing your mission-
critical communications solutions.
Allow us to help you grow your
solutions!
Conclusion
Communications is an expenditure
that provides an unmeasurable return
on cost savings, the safety and
management of assets, control over
projects and increased operational
efficiency.
Ensuring that the planning and
implementation of your mission
critical solution are provided
accurately and reliably is crucial in
ensuring that you invest your funds
safely and without regret.

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Contact Us
Dietrich Muller
International Sales Executive
http://www.globalcomms.co.za
http://www.kenwoodsa.co.za
Tel: +27 12 621 0400
Cell: +27 79 348 2620
dmuller@globalcomms.co.za

Whitepaper - Mine Communications DH Muller 2016 r1

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