Mobile satellite communications provider Inmarsat and Australian mining technology solutions company Auxilium are working to accelerate the adoption of smart mining solutions in Australia.

The duo have established a formal partnership that will see the delivery of real-time, mine-based communications and automation to Australian mining companies using Auxilium’s effective Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) combined with Inmarsat’s satellite communications solutions.

The access to innovative IIoT solutions and communications services will offer mining businesses operational efficiencies and enhanced profitability, regardless of remoteness or distance from their headquarters, without the need to invest significant funds in building a terrestrial communications infrastructure to connect their mining operations.

“Previously, organisations, particularly those of medium or junior size, have struggled to justify the cost of installing terrestrial connectivity networks in remote locations, or have suffered with unreliable satellite connectivity,” the partners explain, noting that this leaves many mining companies with limited connectivity for IIoT data transfer or on-site communications.

“Mining companies are under huge pressure to extract product at a profitable margin,” says Inmarsat Enterprise mining director Joe Carr, highlighting that by working with Auxilium, improved capabilities and solutions can be delivered on a managed services model, reducing up-front investment and strain on capital expenditure budgets.

Auxilium designs and manufactures technically advanced mining equipment, technology and services to support high-value mining and construction assets.

Inmarsat’s L-band satellite network offers secure satellite availability up to 99.9%, rugged and energy efficient terminals and low latency data transmission for remote monitoring and automation applications.

“IIoT is changing the mining industry and is fast leading to the emergence of safer, more efficient and more profitable ways of working,” says Auxilium founder Wayne Panther.