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Colterlec and Moxa are providing the wireless infrastructure needed to keep equipment and systems connected and operating reliably.
Mines can have the latest autonomous equipment and technology, but without a reliable network connecting them, their value is limited.
The industry’s digital transformation relies on wireless networks that are capable of operating in remote and challenging environments.
These demands have seen Colterlec move beyond the supply of individual electrical and automation components to supporting the communication networks that connect operations from the pit through to the port.
Colterlec has been embedded in Australian mining for more than three decades, working across the whole value chain and now supporting customers through site analysis, network design, procurement, installation and commissioning before continuing into the operational life of the system.
Its approach is to adapt and scale networks as requirements change, rather than treating communication infrastructure as a one-off installation. A key part of this capability is Colterlec and its partnership with Moxa, a leading networking and automation solutions provider, offering private 5G and industrial wireless technologies designed to support connected mines.
These types of networks are being adopted across various smart mining applications, such as wireless control of haul trucks, autonomous transport systems and conveyor monitoring.
However, deploying private 5G across a mine has its challenges, particularly in balancing the different priorities of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT).
While IT environments typically place a strong emphasis on cybersecurity, OT systems prioritise production capacity and occupational safety.
Moxa’s OnCell G3504-5G Series industrial cellular gateway is designed to help bridge this gap, connecting legacy OT equipment with modern wireless infrastructure and enabling data transmission across mining environments.
The four-port gateway supports downlink speeds of up to 4.9 gigabits per second (Gbps) across private and public networks and is intended to remove bandwidth bottlenecks on sites carrying fleet telemetry, video and sensor data over a single connection, while leaving room for expansion. Continuity is managed through Moxa’s GuaranLink plus adaptive Antenna mechanism, which automatically recovers cellular connectivity to maintain stable communication with minimal service visits.
In remote deployments, where physically reaching a device can take hours, that reduces downtime and the need for site attendance.
Security is built into the device through an industrial-grade Firewall plus Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) mechanism (dual-layer protection), adding layered protection for industrial traffic and connected assets to reduce exposure to cyberthreats.
The gateway is housed in a metal enclosure for DIN-rail or wall mounting, while wide-temperature models extend the operating range for demanding conditions.Deployment and upkeep are handled centrally through DLM plus MRC (central remote management), enabling centralised visibility, configuration, and remote maintenance of distributed cellular and end devices to simplify remote device operations and reduce after-sales service costs, according to Colterlec.
Moxa AeroMesh wireless mesh technology provides another approach to maintaining connectivity across dynamic mining environments, particularly where reliance on physical cabling can be difficult and expensive due to vibration, blasting activity and constantly changing operating layouts.
Unlike centralised systems, wireless mesh networks use each node as both an endpoint and router, allowing the network to reroute traffic when a link is interrupted.
AeroMesh uses Adaptive Topology Technology to assess link quality and redirect traffic when instability is detected. The system can provide wireless speeds of up to 1.8Gbps and support more than 100 devices per access point.
These capabilities make the technology well suited to applications where stable wireless communication is critical, including autonomous haulage, smart loaders and personnel safety tracking.
Colterlec is the only dual accredited Moxa service provider in the southern hemisphere with Moxa Authorised Repair Centre (MARC) and Moxa Technical Support Centre (MTSC) status.
This local capability means equipment can be diagnosed and repaired in Australia by Colterlec qualified Moxa trained team rather than offshore.
Colterlec also provides Moxa certified training at beginner and advanced levels across major cities through its technical support centres, with tailored courses available for specific projects and customer requirements.
While the technology on mine sites will continue to change, the challenge is ensuring the network connecting it can adapt. That approach, according to Colterlec, means supporting mining operations beyond the initial installation, helping them build communication networks that can evolve with their operations.
This feature appeared in the October 2026 edition of Australian Mining.