01
Equipment loses its connection to dispatch
Telemetry and vehicle positions arrive late or disappear at particular mine levels.
Operational network for open-pit mining
Wireless Connectivity for Open-Pit Mines and Remote Industrial Sites
We design data networks for mobile equipment, telemetry, dispatch, and remote units across a changing mine layout. We account for mine levels, active working areas, terrain, power supply, and backbone links. Where needed, a field pilot validates key assumptions. Acceptance uses agreed field and route tests.
Backbone → radio layer → mobile client → remote unit → test route
The operational network develops as the mine expands
A mining network carries data between mobile equipment, remote units, and application systems. Its architecture accounts for current and planned mine levels, unit relocation, available power, and alternative backbone technologies. Fleet management and dispatch systems remain separate applications; this solution covers data infrastructure.
Signs that a solution is needed
When connectivity limits equipment control
02
Active working areas move beyond coverage
As the mine layout changes, existing unit locations no longer cover operating routes.
03
Remote node without backbone
It is not possible to quickly bring fiber-optic communication lines to the observation point, sensor or post.
04
No quality control
The problem is visible only after the complaint, and there is no up-to-date coverage map or network event log.
Conditions of the site
Terrain and operations matter more than datasheet range
01
Depth and benches
Terrain blocks line of sight and creates local coverage gaps.
02
Changing active working areas
Nodes have to be moved or added as the site develops.
03
Dust, climate and vibration
Equipment, enclosures, antennas, and mounts are selected to suit operating conditions.
04
Independent power supply
Solar modules, batteries and power consumption are calculated for remote points.
05
Height of placement
Masts and installation points are selected according to the terrain profile, visibility zones and access for maintenance.
06
Mobile clients
The antenna and terminal on the machine should work at vibration, turns and different orientations of the equipment.
Scenarios
What the network supports at an open-pit mine
Dispatch of equipment
Transfer tasks, status and coordinates between the machines and the control system.
Telemetry
Collection of equipment parameters and production events from remote nodes.
Video surveillance
Video transport from fixed and temporary locations with sufficient bandwidth.
Communication of service teams
Access work applications and data on service routes.
Remote sites
Communication with posts, pumping stations, warehouses and other dispersed points.
Architecture
From the backbone to the onboard client
Backbone infrastructure
Fiber-optic links, PtP/PtMP wireless links, or other backhaul between the core and remote areas.
Field radio layer
Base stations, mesh nodes, sector or directional antennas.
Mobile client
On-board terminal and antenna system on dump truck, excavator or service machine.
Application layer
Dispatching, telemetry, video and other technological systems.
Network management
Monitoring, logging, redundancy and up-to-date coverage map.
Choice of technology
How Wi‑Fi/mesh, private LTE, wireless bridges and fiber-optic communication lines are combined
| Mechanism | What it does | What we check |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Wi‑Fi network, including mesh topology | Provides mobile access and a flexible RF layer where client devices, terrain, and the frequency plan are suitable. | Terrain, vehicle speed, hop count, client compatibility, capacity, and frequency planning. |
| PtP / PtMP | Creates fixed wireless backbone links to remote areas. | Line of sight, path profile, bandwidth, and redundancy. |
| Private LTE network | It can be used as a mobile radio layer in a large area with an available frequency resource and compatible terminals. | Spectrum and regulatory conditions, devices, latency, integration, operations, and project economics. |
| Fiber-optic links | Provides a predictable support line where laying is possible and justified. | Route, line protection, construction dates and future work changes. |
Stages of the project
Design taking into account the development of mining operations
- 01
Map of works and applications
Collect current and planned mine levels, routes, units, equipment, and system requirements.
- 02
Site survey
Check the terrain, visibility, RF environment, mast sites and power options.
- 03
Model and architecture
Model coverage, backbone links, relocatable units, and onboard equipment.
- 04
The Field Pilot
Check critical areas and movement of real equipment before scaling.
- 05
Deployment
We mount support and field nodes, configure transport and monitoring.
- 06
Acceptance and operating procedures
Perform route tests and define how coverage maps will be kept current.
Results of the project
Engineering kit and working network
- 01Frequency and coverage plan with radio path profiles
- 02A diagram of backbone, mesh, and mobile units
- 03Calculation of masts, power supply, antennas and onboard mounting
- 04Customized control and monitoring system
- 05Field test protocol and follow-up audit plan
Acceptance
We measure the network along the routes of equipment
| Criterion | How to check | Where we document |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Drive agreed routes and mine levels to verify coverage. | Map of actual coverage and log of coordinates. |
| Telemetry | Data transfer from onboard equipment to the application system. | Loss, delay and continuity of the session. |
| Backbone | Load test of fixed and wireless transport channels. | Bandwidth, latency, availability, and failover results. |
| Change of topology | Check the agreed failure or transfer of a field node. | Documented connectivity recovery and operational procedure. |
Operation
How to keep the coverage map up to date
01
Monitoring
The state of the base, mesh and onboard units is controlled centrally.
02
Updating the map
Coverage is recalculated and checked after significant changes in geography.
03
Spares and recovery
Critical components, configurations and replacement procedures are fixed in the regulations.
04
Field maintenance
The placement of nodes provides access, safety of work and diagnostics.
05
Terms of the project
The schedule is defined after reviewing project inputs and, where necessary, surveying the site. Design, delivery, installation, commissioning, and acceptance are planned separately.
06
Cost
Cost depends on location, areas to be covered, the client device mix, cabling and backbone condition, equipment, work, and integrations. We document the estimate after defining the project scope.
07
SLA and Support
Response targets, support arrangements, monitoring, spare equipment, and restoration procedures are agreed separately according to the criticality of operations.
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions about the solution
01Is it possible to use Wi‑Fi instead of LTE on an open-pit mine?
In some scenarios, Wi‑Fi may be a suitable radio layer, but there is no universal replacement for LTE. The choice depends on the area and terrain, speed and routes of equipment, application requirements, available frequency resource, onboard devices and operational model. Wi‑Fi, private LTE network, wireless bridges and fiber-optic communication lines can be combined on one site if the applicability of each element is confirmed by calculation and field checks.
02How is mesh different from a regular Wi‑Fi network?
Mesh describes the topology and data paths between nodes rather than a universal alternative to Wi‑Fi. Conventional access points usually connect to an existing backbone; mesh can use radio links between nodes. Suitability depends on equipment, wireless hop count, required capacity, routing, and behavior when nodes fail, move, or are added.
03How does the network adapt to changing mine levels and working areas?
Project inputs include the current and planned layout, vehicle routes, possible unit relocation or expansion sites, and available backbone options. We define how diagrams, configurations, and RF models will be updated. Significant movement of active working areas triggers field checks of critical areas and routes. Results inform the next agreed infrastructure change.
04How do you connect points without a power grid?
We first establish power demand, operating schedule, climate, and maintenance access for the remote unit. Generation, batteries, cabling, protection, and required autonomy are then calculated. Solar or other independent power is not selected automatically: its suitability must be validated through energy calculations, placement conditions, and a maintenance plan for that location.
05Is the mining fleet management system part of this solution?
No. This solution covers data transmission infrastructure rather than fleet management software development or implementation. Dispatch, telemetry, and other applications define latency, packet loss, availability, and mobility requirements. The network project records these requirements and verifies data transfer through agreed tests; application functionality remains outside this offering.
06How is the connection with mobile equipment checked?
Tests use the target onboard terminal, antenna, mounting location, and an agreed route covering representative site conditions. Coordinates, network metrics, connection events, and application behavior are recorded under the approved test program. Operating speeds, conditions, and acceptance criteria are agreed in advance so that results apply to the tested configuration.
07When do you need a field pilot?
A field pilot is considered when calculations leave material uncertainties, such as complex terrain, new onboard clients, uncertain line of sight, independent power, or combined technologies. Before the pilot, we document the assumptions, configuration, route, and acceptance criteria to be tested. A pilot informs design or rollout decisions; it does not replace detailed documentation, surveys, or final network acceptance.
08What data are needed for preliminary analysis?
Provide site coordinates and boundaries, current and planned mine level maps, equipment routes and speeds, and fixed and mobile unit lists. Include application connectivity requirements, existing backbone, spectrum conditions, power supply, masts, onboard terminals, and antennas. Note seasonal, access, and installation restrictions affecting surveys and pilots.
The next step
Review the mining plan and equipment routes
Send site coordinates, current and planned mine levels, and the equipment and systems needing connectivity. We will propose a survey approach and pilot.
Material prepared by Connectum technical team · updated: August 2026