As mining technology continues to advance, communications expert Sepura is keeping pace.
While proximity-detection systems play a vital role on modern mine sites, there is no replacement for communication between personnel.
As recently as April, the NSW Resources Regulator highlighted a high-potential incident that occurred at an open-cut industrial minerals mine.
A front-end loader and semi-tipper were loading crushed stone at the site when the semi-tipper parked behind the loader without communicating. The loader operator then reversed and the two vehicles collided. Fortunately, neither worker was injured.
The Regulator took the opportunity to make a series of safety recommendations and stress the importance of positive communication between workers.
But even the most rigorous communication procedures won’t amount to much if the hardware itself can’t keep up with tough mining conditions. That’s why communications expert Sepura is a leading choice among mine operators in Australia.
Sepura’s terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA) radios are built to handle the conditions found on mine sites, while reliably delivering mission-critical communications.
TETRA networks provide narrowband voice and data services, with a high standard of service and exacting requirements for availability, reliability and security.
Sepura’s devices, such as the SC23 handheld radio, are designed to be able to repel dust from their speakers. They are also IP67-rated, which means they can be submerged in water or held under a running tap for cleaning.
This not only means units will be available for work immediately after cleaning and do not need to be dried, but they can continue to work during heavy downpours that can be a feature of outdoor work.
While TETRA is a tried-and-true means of communication, the technological requirements of modern mine sites are evolving beyond narrowband networks.
Mines have an increasing need for data services such as video, access to online tools or databases, and the ability to upload or download large data items.
These tasks typically need a higher bandwidth than narrowband systems can deliver, and require broadband data services, such as LTE (long-term evolution). The challenge is to deliver the performance of TETRA while at the same time provide the additional services that LTE enables.
LTE is considered a strong technology, but it is still evolving and users need a solution that meets their present demands.
Sepura is helping to bridge this gap between the reliability of TETRA and the modern benefits of LTE with the SCL3 Hybrid TETRA and 4G/5G device and the SCU3 dual-mode device.
Designed to support organisations in their migration strategy and for use in all situations, including vehicles, fixed locations and body-worn, both solutions support TETRA for mission-critical voice with data through LTE or Wi-Fi connectivity. The SCL3 and SCU3 also support existing TETRA audio accessories, providing users a full set of options.
These options allow sites to run hybrid fleets; for example, vehicles and control rooms using dual-mode SCU3 devices and frontline staff using the SCL3 TETRA hand-held portable device.
“Organisations are increasingly looking for flexible, rugged devices capable of providing the best of both worlds – mission-critical voice and high-speed data capability,” Sepura country manager for Australia Ronan Rafferty said.
“Our complete portfolio, including the new SCL3, offers this in a familiar, secure and rugged format, enabling organisations to extract full value from their critical communications solution whatever stage of the migration journey they are at.”
It’s this kind of dynamic approach to communications that has made Sepura a market leader for two decades.
Whether the challenges are posed by modern technology or the environment, Sepura has got mine sites across Australia covered.
This feature also appears in the July-August issue of Safe to Work.