#MiningInfrastructure

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Telecommunication Trends for Remote Mining Zones

By Ato Asefoah Dadzie

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Connectivity is no longer a luxury—it���s a necessity. And nowhere is that more evident than in the remote mining zones of Ghana and across the continent. As operations spread farther into previously untouched areas, the demand for dependable, high-speed, and secure telecommunications infrastructure has gone from being “nice to have” to absolutely critical.

At JOBEX COMPANY LTD, we’ve supported numerous mining camps and project sites where the first request, right after power and water, is: “Can we get stable Wi-Fi?” It’s a simple question. But the answer is layered.

First, let’s talk about what’s driving this demand.

Mining today is no longer entirely analog. Exploration data, safety systems, time tracking, inventory management, even equipment diagnostics—many of these now rely on cloud-based systems or require access to internal company networks. Engineers want to upload field readings. Managers want to hold virtual check-ins. Staff want to contact families during downtime. Connectivity weaves through every part of site life.

So what’s trending?

Satellite Internet Is Getting Smarter Traditional VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) systems have long been the backbone of remote communications. But latency and bandwidth limitations often made them frustrating. Today, new generations of LEO (low Earth orbit) satellite systems—think services like Starlink—are beginning to transform what’s possible. We recently installed a satellite system for a client in a gold exploration zone near Wa, and the difference in call quality, file transfer speed, and even video conferencing was night and day.

That said, satellite isn’t always plug-and-play. Weather, topography, and data caps still need to be managed with care. And backup systems remain important.

Hybrid Infrastructure Is the Future We’re seeing a trend toward hybrid systems—where a mining site may use satellite for core data transfer but switch to point-to-point radio links or cellular repeaters for internal communications. This provides redundancy, which is crucial during emergencies or maintenance downtime. One major mine we worked with had a dual system: satellite for the camp, and a microwave relay for the processing plant. If one failed, the other picked up seamlessly.

Security Is a Growing Priority As connectivity increases, so do risks. Cybersecurity is no longer something only big corporations worry about. In remote zones, equipment can be hacked, operations can be disrupted, and sensitive exploration data can be stolen. We now recommend basic cybersecurity protocols for every camp—VPNs, encrypted routers, regular password audits. It’s not expensive. It’s just not optional anymore.

Mesh Networks for Internal Mobility Some of our most successful deployments have used mesh networks within the camp area—particularly where workers need to move freely without losing signal. These networks create a blanket of connectivity across dorms, kitchens, workshops, and offices, enabling real-time monitoring and communication. It also reduces the load on core satellite bandwidth since internal traffic stays local.

Staff Welfare and Retention This one often gets overlooked. A connected worker is a happier worker. In a mining camp where teams rotate in and out, access to internet and calls home isn’t a perk—it’s part of their mental health support. We’ve had clients report lower turnover after investing in modest but stable connectivity for their sites. Think of it as digital hospitality.

But it’s not without challenges. In rural Ghana, network equipment must contend with heat, dust, humidity, and occasional power surges. We’ve adapted by using protective housing, surge protectors, and solar backups. We’ve also trained on-site personnel to do basic diagnostics, so they don’t have to wait days for a technician to travel in.

At JOBEX COMPANY LTD, this approach—layered, practical, and built for field conditions—is what defines our service delivery. We don’t install and walk away. We monitor. We adjust. We build with failure in mind.

It’s this ethos that I believe helped earn us a nomination for the 2025 Go Global Awards, happening this November in London. Hosted by the International Trade Council, the event brings together global companies navigating real operational terrain—not just markets on paper. It’s a space for collaboration, for trading lessons learned the hard way, and for building smarter, more connected futures.

Because even in the quietest, most distant outposts—where red dust clouds the sky and the nearest town is a three-hour drive—connectivity is what makes everything else possible.