Planning for underground connectivity is never a simple task.

The modern make-up of a mine and its reliance on transferring large amounts of data to multiple points over multiple levels means a robust and reliable connected network has become a central part of any operation.

But while reliable mine-wide connectivity has become more difficult, perhaps the most difficult to plan for is what is known as “the last mile” – the area between a sub-station and the active mining area, where miners rely on real-time data and connectivity to make use of digital technology and equipment.

As the “working” section of any underground operation, this final stretch of connectivity creates challenges because it is not only the area where solid connections are most needed, but also where these connections face the most risk of damage.

As fibre has become more widespread within the underground mining industry, many operations will look to extend this last mile using fibre optic cabling – most likely because they have used it elsewhere throughout the mine.

However, using fibre within this last mile often leads to more complications than it solves.

Firstly, there is the cost of rolling out fibre optic cabling – it is expensive.

Fibre optic cable is also brittle and prone to damage – which is not ideal in an area with lots of workers and heavy machinery moving around.

Plus, installation and repairs of fibre requires a trained specialist to come out every time a new connection or splice is needed. This can be an expensive proposition and can cause delays in service.

Fibre is also highly inflexible when it comes to cable lengths and, given that underground mining can be unpredictable, planning the length of cable needed can cause serious challenges.

In order to allow for connectivity and expansion throughout the mine, many connection boxes have to be installed at relatively short distances. This adds to the cost and complexity of the network.

All of this doesn’t even get to the point of powering the fibre optic active devices.

These devices, like routers and switches, require an external power source in order to work, as do all endpoint devices added to the network. This only adds to the number of new connections being created, which increases the potential for damage, delays and rising costs.

Finding an alternative

As a general solution, fibre can transfer data over a network quickly.

However, within an underground mining operation many of these benefits are negated by the fact that cables will likely be spliced and sent in different directions.

This by default, gives rise to additional infrastructure, maintenance and repair costs.

The question is then, is there an alternative to just using fibre optic cabling? – or using it at all – and luckily the answer is yes.

Ethernet connectivity using a DC powered coaxial cable, rather than fibre, can be just the kind of flexible, robust and reliable solution to remedy the challenges of last mile planning.

These solutions, like those within the StrataConnect DigitalBRIDGE™ can provide operations with an easy to install Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) network which can help them overcome the challenges of underground connectivity.

These PoE and PoE + connections eliminate the need for additional power cables because power and data are contained within the same cable – unlike fibre which requires a separate power connection at every device – which helps to reduce costs.

The coaxial cables are also more robust than fibre, meaning they are less likely to break under harsh mining conditions and don’t require any specialist skills or training to connect or maintain – again reducing costs and cutting down delays due to repairs.

DigitalBRIDGE™ can also be linked to an existing fibre network and, because it is more flexible when it comes to length, can be easily adapted to meet the demands and challenges of last mile connections.

Planning the last mile of connection and data transfer within underground mining can be a challenge, but by using solutions like DigitalBRIDGE™, it doesn’t have to be.

For more information, please visit our website.

Strata Worldwide
Unit 15 Saligna Business Park
3 Saligna Street
Witfield, Boksburg
1459
Tel: +27 (0) 12450 0960
Email: info@strata-safety.co.za