Underground Communications Infrastructure Guidelines Part I: Positioning and Needs Analysis

This guideline is the first of a three-part suite which aims to provide a high-level overview of the processes needed by mine personnel to meet planning and design requirements when creating or replacing underground mine communication infrastructure. This part focuses primarily on the maturity lifecycle.

This guideline covers the different phases implementation of industrial and communication technology occur and the requirements of personnel and technology as the advancements continue. Each of the phases expand the personnel from start to finish and across different areas of operations from onsite geologists to quality assurance personnel.

The key phases associated with the maturity lifecycle during a mining operation mentioned throughout this guideline include:

• Early exploration
• Advanced exploration
• Construction
• Commissioning and production
• Mature mine (Sustainability)
• Decommissioning

The success of a mining maturity lifecycle is reliant on the communication methods throughout each of the phases. Poor communication during any can result in delays, miscommunication, system deployment issues, health and safety risks, and reductions in overall production.