Ontoto, an Australian provider of telemetry to the mining industry, has integrated Astrocast’s Astronode S into its vibrating wire data logger.

This data logger is being used across the mining sector to monitor mining boreholes remotely using satellite IoT connectivity.

The Ontoto vibrating wire has been designed to monitor the pore pressures and static water levels in the ground surrounding a mining operation. This information is vital for mining operations to monitor the effects their works are having on the environment, and for managing risks associated with mining, such as tailings dams failures.

Coupled with Ontoto’s industrial cloud offerings, mining operations receive constant and effective data from the vibrating wire data logger. These data allow operational teams to respond quickly and effectively according to the information received, ensuring mining operations maintain environmental compliance. Astrocast’s satellite IoT enables this data transmission remotely.

“One of the key challenges mining companies face is the lack of efficient connectivity in remote areas,” said Tim Blake, CEO of Ontoto. “Astrocast’s satellite connectivity provides us with a cost-effective and low power consumption alternative to traditional providers, enabling us to offer enhanced monitoring capabilities to our customers.”

The Astronode S, integrated into Ontoto’s vibrating wire, offers seamless connectivity via the Astrocast satellite constellation, making it suitable for mining sites in areas with poor or no terrestrial connectivity. By partnering with Astrocast, Ontoto has decided to replace its previous legacy satellite connectivity supplier.

Mining remains Australia’s largest sector by share of national GDP, accounting for 10.4% of the country’s economic output. The introduction of satellite IoT technology allows improved automation, waste elimination and optimised production. Further, there are aspirations across the mining sector to create a connected mine, consisting of enhanced monitoring capabilities, remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance, all of which contributes to reducing unplanned downtime and increasing operational efficiency and safety. This is something the vibrating wire is designed to achieve.

“We are excited to support Ontoto in their mission to provide innovative monitoring to the mining industry,” said Eric Menard, vice president at Astrocast. “Our collaboration enables the deployment of efficient and cost-effective satellite IoT connectivity that is well adapted to Australia’s mining sector, bringing numerous benefits to the industry and its stakeholders.”

Ontoto has tested and integrated the vibrating wire in several mining sites. It provides exclusive satellite connectivity for several mines on the harsh west coast of Tasmania. This experience has proved valuable in developing a product that is robust enough to satisfy demanding applications. Astrocast will continue to work closely with Ontoto, providing ongoing support to ensure service delivery to the mining industry.