Yancoal Australia has successfully deployed a private mobile network at its Mount Thorley and Warkworth mines in the NSW Hunter Valley region, partnering with TPG Telecom and Nokia for the project. The 12-month deployment has significantly improved onsite mobile network coverage, increasing it from 60 percent to approximately 99 percent, according to a statement by Yancoal.
The upgraded network aims to strengthen connectivity and enable real-time management of the company’s vehicles, equipment, and personnel across the mines. This enhancement is expected to boost productivity and efficiency by reducing downtime and improving fleet management. By tracking and communicating with vehicles and equipment in real-time, Yancoal can better streamline operations and decrease inefficiencies.
Moreover, the private mobile network will be used to roll out collision awareness and fatigue management systems across the fleet, emphasizing Yancoal’s commitment to safety. The low latency network has also facilitated the use of wireless-enabled devices for secure communication within the corporate network, eliminating connectivity dropouts and blackspots experienced in the past.
The implementation of high-speed, low-latency coverage across the pit enhances operational performance and safety reporting. Teams can now connect with the corporate network from anywhere on the site, enabling immediate and accurate safety and sustainability reporting, instead of relying on traditional pen and paper methods.
Yancoal’s investment in the private mobile network demonstrates its dedication to advancing mining operations, improving safety protocols, and increasing overall efficiency in the open-cut coal mines.