Strandline Resources

Strandline Resources, a key player in the mining industry, embarked on developing the Coburn Mine in a remote part of Western Australia. As the project scaled rapidly, they required robust IT infrastructure to support their growing workforce and ensure seamless operations across their $350 million site.

Objectives

  • Ensure IT systems are current and capable of supporting their rapidly growing company
  • Provided fast, reliable satellite internet
  • Install reliable ICT systems and provided ongoing maintenance and support
  • Set up server workstations and deploy ICT equipment across the site
  • Implemented network isolation and boundaries
  • Implement cybersecurity measures to mitigate potential threats

Solutions

2021 Q1: Scaling Workforce with Initial IT Setup

As the Coburn Mine scaled rapidly from 10 to 200 staff, IQPC provided critical support to accommodate this rapid growth. Ensuring the right tools and initial infrastructure were in place to support daily communication and operational needs was a priority during this phase.

2021 Q3: Resolving Internet Issues and Designing the Site Network

In the third quarter of 2021, IQPC addressed one of the most significant challenges at the remote mine site—poor internet connectivity. IQPC provided fast, reliable satellite internet by deploying low latency satellite links, allowing the 200 onsite staff to communicate with their families in Perth and maintain critical business communications.

To further enhance network stability and provide failover capabilities, the dual satellite internet connections were load-balanced with the existing microwave link, managed through a cluster of enterprise routers. This setup ensured that internet access remained stable despite high demand or connection issues, guaranteeing that business operations were not disrupted.

2021 Q4: Full ICT Infrastructure Deployment

IQPC was tasked with fully deploying the site’s ICT infrastructure as the project progressed. This included connecting key locations, including process plants and the power station, with high-speed fibre links to support high-bandwidth operations, such as mine survey imaging. Additionally, IQPC set up server workstations and deployed $500,000 worth of ICT equipment across the site. These high-speed links enabled the smooth flow of critical data, supporting the technological demands of Coburn Mine’s remote operations.

During this phase, IQPC also implemented network isolation and boundaries between general communication systems and critical infrastructure, including the operational PLC network responsible for automating mining processes. This separation ensured critical operations remained secure and protected from potential performance or security issues.

2022 Q1–Q3: Maintaining the Site ICT Operations

For the first three quarters of 2022, IQPC provided ongoing maintenance and support for the mine’s ICT systems. This period was crucial as it ensured daily operations continued while Strandline recruited in-house IT staff. IQPC handled everything from regular monitoring and troubleshooting to ensuring that all servers, workstations, and networking systems operated without disruption.

Implementation

  • 2021 Q1: Assisted Strandline Resources in rapidly scaling their workforce from 10 to 200 staff, ensuring the right tools and infrastructure were in place to handle the expansion.
  • 2021 Q3: Resolved critical internet issues with the microwave link, then took over the design of the site network.
  • 2021 Q4: Connected key mine locations with high-speed fibre links and deployed servers, workstations, and other ICT infrastructure.
  • 2022 Q1–Q3: Provided ongoing maintenance and support for the mine’s IT systems while the internal IT team was established.

Benefits

Improved Connectivity

Installing load-balanced satellite links provided consistent and reliable internet for the 200 staff onsite.

Successful ICT Deployment

The setup of fibre links, servers, workstations, and other critical ICT infrastructure ensured the smooth running of the Coburn Mine, a crucial element in a site spanning $350 million.

Increased Security and Isolation

Implementing network isolation protected the operational PLC network from external threats, ensuring safe and uninterrupted mining operations.

Seamless Maintenance

By maintaining the site’s ICT systems while the internal IT team was being recruited, IQPC guaranteed that operations were never affected, providing a solid handover to the new in-house team.

Conclusion

Over 18 months from 2021 to 2022, IQPC played a crucial role in helping Strandline Resources set up the ICT infrastructure for the Coburn Mine. By providing high-speed internet, designing and deploying critical IT systems, and offering continuous support during a transitional phase, IQPC ensured that Strandline’s operations remained efficient, secure, and uninterrupted.

Since then, we have continued to support Strandline via our Help Desk and Onsite Support, and we visit the Coburn site every month to maintain the ICT environment and keep in touch with the end users.

“Since getting IQPC on board, our systems have been far more reliable, and any issues that arise are handled quickly and efficiently. Their support team is always there when we need them, and they’ve given us clear direction on how to maintain and continuously improve our IT setup. It’s been great having a partner that not only fixes problems but also helps us stay ahead of potential issues. We feel more confident in our systems than ever before.”

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