Low Earth orbit satellites connect modern remote mining operations, especially in the northern hemisphere.

A revolutionary connectivity solution by SpaceX is gaining popularity with remote mining and exploration operations from North America to the UK and beyond. The Starlink satellite constellation is a highly anticipated update to today's modern mine connectivity, offering an effective alternative to fiberoptic or satellite broadband when you're out in the middle of nowhere.

Conventional broadband providers have long struggled to deliver services to remote areas, often leaving only limited or slow internet options available. Starlink, however, leverages its growing constellation of satellites to offer a broad coverage footprint, ensuring reliable access for those in the most remote locations.

High-speed internet and communications technologies are vital to the smooth operations of mining and mineral exploration companies that rely on connectivity to run, whether small and isolated or all over the globe on land and sea.

Spotty and slow coverage impacts productivity as well as limits innovation and technological modernization, which could otherwise reduce carbon footprint and boost safety and efficiency.

GEO Satellites

Remote mining and exploration site operations have often been reliant on geostationary equatorial orbit (GEO) satellites for internet access, a technology that has been in use since televising the Summer Olympics in 1964.

They require a stable antenna setup affixed to a building, pointing at the satellite, which works for servicing stationary structures but is impractical for remotely operated vehicles or a satellite phone that you carry in your pocket.

All GEO satellites orbit along the equator, so as sites move into higher latitudes in places like Canada and Alaska, the extreme angle of the antenna needed to maintain a link makes transmission susceptible to interference from buildings and mountains.

These satellites orbit about 22,000 miles (35,000 kilometers) above Earth, resulting in 600 milliseconds of latency, the delay between when a signal is sent and when it is received. Milliseconds don't sound like much, but slow upload and download speeds are unsuitable for processes that require real-time feedback, such as security and condition monitoring.

Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites have been in the news recently as a new and improved technology used to enable more mobile connectivity for a growing number of mining companies all over the world.

The LEO advantage

Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites are better suited for connecting mobile devices and running automated equipment and robotics. They are much less bulky to manufacture and send into space, and Starlink is currently the top offering with reasonable prices and broad global coverage.

This is made possible through the use of a fleet of small LEO satellites, which are located just 340 miles (550 kilometers) from Earth, covering more surface area and resulting in speedy data transfer and providing fast internet even in the most remote areas.

This access widens the range of business applications for operations looking to implement internet of things technology – an interconnected network of physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, etc. – that relies on private 5G networks.

Combined with an easy self-installation process for the antenna, Starlink's LEO satellite fleets are changing the face of many industries, particularly offshore energy and maritime, and are set to do the same for mining.

The need for speed

SpaceX

Combined with an easy self-installation process for the antenna, LEO satellite fleets are changing the face of many industries, particularly offshore energy and maritime, and it's looking set to do the same for mining.

As the satellite constellation grows, coverage has continued to improve, and implementation costs have come down. With built-in rocket transport from sister company SpaceX, Starlink promises continued growth of capacity and scalability with regular additions of more satellites and newer generations, allowing for constant network expansion and optimization.

Another distinct improvement over GEO satellites and running wire or cable is Starlink's rapid deployment capabilities, bypassing the need for preexisting infrastructure or extensive groundwork and cabling. Starlink's system kit utilizes portable and easy-to-install satellite dishes – taking hours instead of days or months – for quick deployment and minimal disruption.

This means that mining and mineral exploration managers can have connectivity from day one, even in some of the most remote locations where mineral deposits are found.

As Starlink's satellite constellation expands, it can only continue to enhance coverage and lower implementation costs. Supported by rocket transport capabilities from its sister company, SpaceX, Starlink is poised for continued growth in capacity and scalability through regular satellite additions and technological advancements to the benefit of the most disconnected sectors, industries, and companies.