AI-powered data analytics, secure infrastructure and robust connectivity are transforming the Australian mining sector.
The mining sector has never been short on data.
However, the ability to harness that data in real time, from deep underground to the most remote ports, is now setting apart the most innovative of mines.
From improving safety, productivity, and mental wellbeing in mining camps, artificial intelligence (AI) and high-speed resilient and pervasive networks are becoming essential tools in the modern miner’s kit.
But there can be no AI without connectivity. That’s where Vocus steps in.
“There’s been an explosion in data at the edge,” Vocus head of digital solutions and innovation Greg Phillips told Australian Mining.
“‘Data at the edge’ refers to data created from humans and machines ingested into edge computing processes completed at or near the physical location of the user or source of data. In the mining world, it can help companies focus on core business and save costs that would otherwise be invested in in-house technology.
Image: Vocus
“Vocus is helping customers bring all of that together – connect it, secure it, make sense of it, and take advantage of the benefits AI can offer.”
A key benefit of using data-driven AI is speed.
“A mine produces a significant amount of data and the volume of data to be managed is increasing exponentially,” Phillips said. “AI allows us to quickly act on that data, supporting faster and more informed decisions that directly impact safety, productivity and cost.”
At a time when mine sites are increasingly complex and often operated by multiple third parties using a variety of systems, the ability to harmonise and process data in real time is critical.
“Everything on a mine site starts with safety,” Phillips said. “We’re seeing AI used to improve communication during incidents, reduce manual workflows, and support autonomy in environments that are traditionally high-risk.”
Vocus’ investment in space, land and subsea connectivity and infrastructure is also helping miners overcome the biggest historical challenges in the Australian mining sector: remoteness.
“There’s often a cost, risk and budget decision involved in getting connectivity out to the remote mines,” Phillips said. “We’re making it easier and more scalable to get bandwidth where it’s needed so that miners can take advantage of the safety and productivity benefits of AI.”
With Vocus’ support, mining operations can unlock significant gains from their sites.
“Rather than sending data back to a capital city to make a decision, operators can now do it at the mine,” Phillips said. “That’s enabling things like driverless trucks, predictive maintenance and even automated blast-pattern planning to make safety an even bigger goal than it already is.”
Image: Vocus
AI is also improving operational transparency. This has enabled many Vocus customers to automate their pit-to-port haulage networks.
“Miners can now track everything from when a load leaves the pit to when it’s loaded on a ship,” Phillips said. “That’s where you start to see a true digital highway emerge.”
Mining camps have been another beneficiary.
“Connectivity in camps is an expectation now,” Phillips said. “People want to be able to make video calls home, stream their shows or just unwind after a shift. It’s about mental wellbeing and it plays a key role in employee satisfaction and retention.”
While many major miners already have digital transformation plans underway, smaller operations are increasingly looking to digitalise their processes.
“There’s a real distinction between Tier 1 and Tier 2 miners,” Phillips said. “The Tier 1s often have the budgets and in-house IP (intellectual property), and what Vocus is doing is making that level of technology and insight more accessible to others.”
But Phillips makes it clear: AI is not a silver bullet.
Image: Vocus
“If your data is wrong, AI can’t help,” he said. “We always say not to automate bad things. You’ve got to get the data quality, consistency and integration right first to build a foundation.”
For Phillips and Vocus, supporting mining’s digital shift means more than just laying fibre. It means following the entire data journey from collection and transport to analysis and action.
“We don’t just follow the network,” Phillips said. “We follow the data. That’s where the real value is. If you get that right, AI can transform your operations.
“But it has to start with a strong, reliable foundation.”
This feature appeared in the May 2025 issue of Australian Mining.