Pipeline maintenance communications are seamless – with Hypha
The Gladstone Transmission Pipeline (GTP) is a 420-kilometre underground transmission pipeline, transporting gas from the Bowen and Surat...
Deploying annually to remote and rugged Cape York, Rio Tinto’s Bauxite Exploration Team is tasked with sample collection and geo-mapping for resource exploration.
However, the team faced critical safety and communication challenges that traditional solutions could not address.
In the absence of cellular coverage and limited by traditional two-way radio, Rio Tinto turned to Hypha for a specialised satellite push-to-talk (PTT) and portable broadband solution to bridge this communication gap.
Rio Tinto’s bauxite exploration process involves several layers of field operations:
This meant that the field teams had several distinct needs:
Real-time voice communication that was both reliable and portable.
Location tracking for field teams to always ensure their safety in the bush.
Broadband connectivity for data logging and geospatial mapping.
Rio Tinto had tested various systems in the past with limited success. Sceptical about the effectiveness of yet another solution, Rio Tinto required proof that Hypha’s technology could work in their difficult operating environment.
Cellular coverage ends soon after departing Weipa, and two-way radios offer limited reach.
A previous emergency saw team members travel over an hour to reach radio coverage to request help.
Dense vegetation and canopy hinder signal reception, making satellite only partially effective.
Hypha first facilitated a rental ‘kit’, allowing the exploration team to test the solution on-site before a full rollout. During the trial, Rio Tinto was impressed by the reliable performance in areas where previous systems had failed – leading them to commit to:
16 portable satellite PTT kits enable Rio Tinto’s team members to maintain contact and asset tracking regardless of location.
Starlink units on main field vehicles facilitate broadband connectivity for on-location mapping and geospatial tools.
Hypha's plan includes incorporating a duress feature across all kits, as an additional layer of security for field teams.
"The deployable kits Hypha provided allowed us to stay connected in real-time, which has made our operations safer and more efficient up at Cape York."
– Josh, Field Project Coordinator at Rio Tinto
The new system means that Rio Tinto can maintain situational awareness across their field teams, leading to:
Teams can now always call for assistance, reducing emergency response times and enhancing safety.
Real-time data sharing and communication reduces the number of trips back to base camp, increasing productivity.
The ease of deployment and compatibility with existing equipment meant team members required minimal extra training.
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