Boosting Cellular Signal for Mining Operations

Enhancing Communication Infrastructure

Mafube Coal Mine, a vital supplier of thermal coal, struggled with poor cellular connectivity across its expansive open-pit site, impacting operational efficiency. Located in Mpumalanga Province, the Mafube Colliery Nooitgedacht coal reserves span several farms, including Roodepoort, Nooitgedacht, Springboklaagte, and Patattafontein. 

The Problem

Mafube Coal Mine, a large opencast operation, needed reliable cellular connectivity to support its extensive network of machinery, personnel, and logistics. However, poor signal strength affected critical areas, including the Admin Offices, Warehouse, Control Centre, and Open Mine Pits. To resolve these challenges, Bolton Technical implemented customized signal boosting solutions, significantly improving connectivity across five key areas and enhancing communication reliability to support Mafube’s operations.

The Solution

After a detailed pre-installation analysis of the Nooitgedacht open pit mine, Bolton Technical implemented a comprehensive signal boosting solution across the five key areas of the Mafube mine. The analysis identified baseline indoor and outdoor signal strengths, taking into account rugged terrain, environmental factors, and potential sources of interference such as surrounding structures and equipment.

Using this information, Bolton Technical deployed WilsonPro amplifiers to provide robust cellular signal coverage across the five key areas that needed boosting: the right and left wings of the admin building, the South Pit Warehouse, the Control Centre office and open area containers, and four Open Mine Pits

Solution 1: Admin Office Building - Right Wing

Mafube needed a solution to provide coverage for both the first and ground floors across four departments in the right wing of the admin office building.

Equipment Installed:

• Arrow LPDA High Gain Directional Antenna
• WilsonPro A1000 Signal Boosters
• The Rondo 4G Low-Profile Dome Antenna

Solution 2: Admin Office Building - Left Wing

The same solution was implemented in the left wing of the admin office building, ensuring comprehensive coverage for both floors across the four departments.

Equipment Installed (for each wing):

• Arrow LPDA High Gain Directional Antenna
• WilsonPro A1000 Signal Boosters
• The Rondo 4G Low-Profile Dome Antenna

Solution 3: South Pit Warehouse

For the South Pit Warehouse, a tailored solution was installed to ensure strong and reliable signal coverage throughout the facility.

Equipment Installed: 

• Arrow LPDA High Gain Directional Antenna
• WilsonPro A1000 Signal Booster
• Wideband Outdoor Yagi Directional Antenna
• Indoor Wall-Mount Panels

Solution 4: Control Centre Office and Open Area Containers

For the Control Centre office and the open area containers, a specialized solution was deployed to maintain seamless communication and signal coverage in both the office and container areas.

Equipment Installed (for both areas):

• Arrow LPDA High Gain Directional Antenna
• WilsonPro A1000 Signal Boosters
• Indoor Wall-Mount Panels
• The Sector High Gain Outdoor Panel Antenna

 

Solution 5: Open Mine Pits

A powerful solution was deployed to cover four open mine pits, ensuring reliable signal coverage throughout the entire mining area. Powered by solar energy, this solution is not only efficient but also environmentally sustainable, reflecting our commitment to innovation and responsible mining practices.

Equipment Installed:

• Arrow LPDA High Gain Directional Antenna
• WilsonPro A1000 Signal Booster
• The Sector High Gain Outdoor Panel Antenna

This solution focused on maximizing coverage and signal strength across vast outdoor areas. The combination of Arrows and Panels, supported by multiple WilsonPro amplifiers, was designed to enhance signal reception and ensure seamless communication across the mining site.

The Result

The deployment significantly improved signal strength, with post-installation readings rising from pre-installation levels of -126dBm to -106dBm, now ranging between -62dBm and -46dBm. This enhancement has led to more reliable communication, increased operational efficiency, and improved safety across the mine site.

In the admin office building, Solutions 1 and 2 ensured reliable connectivity for critical departments in both wings. Solution 3 boosted signal coverage in the South Pit Warehouse, facilitating seamless operations. Solution 4 enhanced cellular signals in the Control Centre and open area containers, ensuring stable connectivity. Solution 5 extended coverage across four open mine pits, maintaining uninterrupted communication. Together, these solutions have significantly strengthened Mafube's communication infrastructure and supported operational efficiency.

If your mining operation is facing similar connectivity challenges, contact Bolton Technical today to discover how our customized solutions can enhance your communication infrastructure and operational efficiency.