Enhanced Field Communications for Rio Tinto’s Bauxite Exploration Team

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.

Requirements

Rio Tinto’s bauxite exploration process involves several layers of field operations:

Deploy from base camp in trucks equipped to carry samples from remote sites.

Maintain a base truck within 1 km of the exploration area for logistical support.

Enable field teams to operate as remote units, up to 500 metres away from vehicles.

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.

Challenges

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.

Remote locations

Cellular coverage ends soon after departing Weipa, and two-way radios offer limited reach.

Safety concerns

A previous emergency saw team members travel over an hour to reach radio coverage to request help.

Environmental obstacles

Dense vegetation and canopy hinder signal reception, making satellite only partially effective.

Solution

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:

Deployable communication kits

16 portable satellite PTT kits enable Rio Tinto’s team members to maintain contact and asset tracking regardless of location.

Vehicle-based connectivity

Starlink units on main field vehicles facilitate broadband connectivity for on-location mapping and geospatial tools.

Future expansion plans

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

Outcomes

The new system means that Rio Tinto can maintain situational awareness across their field teams, leading to:

Better safety

Teams can now always call for assistance, reducing emergency response times and enhancing safety.

Improved efficiency

Real-time data sharing and communication reduces the number of trips back to base camp, increasing productivity.

Strong user experience

The ease of deployment and compatibility with existing equipment meant team members required minimal extra training.

Learn more about bespoke Hypha communications solutions and how they can empower your operations to succeed.