HEALTH & SAFETY
SAFE AND SOUND
Steve Levien describes how a new 5G radio solution delivers improved safety and communication in the mining industry
The IS440.M1 was designed to address mining sector needs
P
rivate mobile radio (PMR) networks have been an integral part of mining operations for years. As the
industry progresses, there is a shift towards digital PMR technologies, and with the advent of 5G comes the opportunity to revolutionise mining communications and provide greater fl exibility, functionality and safety - particularly important in hazardous areas. Despite the need for digital
transformation, the investment required means that not all areas can be converted immediately. This is where private 5G mobile networks come into play, meeting growing connectivity needs with higher coverage, bandwidth and security. Reliable communication is essential for team coordination on large mining sites, both underground and above ground, in hazardous and non- hazardous areas.
KEY BENEFITS FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY A major advantage of private 5G networks is E2E network slicing, which allows the network to be divided into diff erent sections with diff erent priority levels. This is particularly useful in mining, where critical communications can be assigned to their own section to maximise safety and reliability. The integration of diff erent radio technologies ensures that mobile
workers can communicate seamlessly with remote teams, increasing overall operational eff iciency.
A NEW TOOL
i.safe Mobile, a leading provider of intrinsically safe mobile devices, recognises the unique requirements of the mining industry. The company’s latest development, the IS440.M1 5G radio, has been developed to support the digitalisation of communication in hazardous environments. With its conventional radio design, it can be seamlessly integrated into existing communication devices such as two-way radios (TETRA, DMR and analogue PMR) via a PoC bridge server. This step-by-step digitisation approach is both eff icient and cost- eff ective.
CUSTOMISED FUNCTIONS The IS440.M1 5G radio supports 3GPP Release 15 and is equipped with a reliable chipset. Key features include a powerful, removable battery (available with 2,400 or 4,800mAh to enable long operating times and multi-shift operation). The products also boasts a strong front speaker: over 105dB, ideal for noisy mining environments. A further benefi t comes in the form of large operation elements: PTT button, rotary knob for channel selection and an SOS button for emergencies. Robust connectivity is also on off er
via a dual-SIM with automatic network switching, Wi-Fi 6, NFC and Bluetooth 5.2. Safety and optimised usability can be found in the integrated belt clip for safe carrying. The fi nal benefi t is compatibility: the product supports the main public 4G/5G frequency bands, CBRS spectrum and B68 for public safety applications. The device also has an 8-pin ISM
interface for connecting headphones. In emergencies, the alternative SIM or Wi-Fi connectivity of the public network ensures seamless communication.
ADDRESSING MINING- SPECIFIC NEEDS The rugged design of the IS440.M1 ensures durability in harsh mining conditions. The transition to 5G and the increasing demands in explosion hazardous areas highlight the need for such advanced technology. The IS440.M1 5G radio is tailored precisely to meet these demands, ensuring safety, reliability, and enhanced communication in the mining industry. The IS440.M1 with ATEX/IECEx and ANZEx Mining approvals will be available shortly.
Steve Levien is Managing Director of
i.safe Mobile Australia.
www.isafe-mobile.com
www.engineerlive.com 37
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