Reliable Field Communications for Remote Bauxite Exploration
Deploying annually to remote and rugged Cape York, a Tier 1 mining company’s Bauxite Exploration Team is tasked with sample collection and geo-mapping for resources exploration.
In the absence of cellular coverage and limited by traditional two-way radio, the company turned to Hypha for a specialised satellite push-to-talk (PTT) and portable broadband solution to bridge this communication gap.
Challenges
Remote locations
Cellular coverage ends soon after departing Weipa, and two-way radios offer limited reach.
Safety concerns
A previous emergency saw team members travel over an hour to reach radio coverage to request help.
Environmental obstacles
Dense vegetation and canopy hinder signal reception, making satellite only partially effective.
Solution
Deployable communication kits
16 portable satellite PTT kits enable their team members to maintain contact and asset tracking regardless of location.
Vehicle-based connectivity
Starlink units on main field vehicles facilitate broadband connectivity for on-location mapping and geospatial tools.
Future expansion plans
Hypha’s plan includes incorporating a duress feature across all kits, as an additional layer of security for field teams.
The deployable kits Hypha provided allowed us to stay connected in real-time, which has made our operations safer and more efficient up at Cape York.
Client employee
Field Project Coordinator
Outcome
Better safety
Teams can now always call for assistance, reducing emergency response times and enhancing safety.
Improved efficiency
Real-time data sharing and communication reduces the number of trips back to base camp, increasing productivity.
Strong user experience
The ease of deployment and compatibility with existing equipment meant team members required minimal extra training.