Westcan ACS Mining Communications
About Us
From exploration to reclamation, Westcan keeps you connected
Westcan ACS is Western Canada’s premiere provider of wireless communication solutions in the mining sector. We have an experienced team of sales, engineering, and project management professionals who can design and deploy custom solutions for some of Canada’s most challenging environments.
Whether you need a safety critical digital radio system, or a high speed wireless data network to support operations in remote, mountainous terrain, we can help. Once your connectivity needs are met, we will follow up with industry-leading support and maintenance programs, ensuring your system always performs to its optimal potential.
Our EGBC certified engineering team understands mining operations are mission critical. Regardless of the stage of your mining project, from exploration to reclamation, we can ensure you stay connected when it matters most.
Exploration Communications
Our experience in exploration 01
Westcan: Powering Mines with Reliable
and Innovative Communication
Solutions.
How we can help
In mining, your communication strategy starts well before construction begins. From the moment you start applying for permits or creating your initial site maps, we’re ready to initiate the early stages of your communication plan.
At Westcan, we have an extensive track record of delivering reliable communications in Canada’s remote, unforgiving landscapes. Leveraging the expertise cultivated through years of deploying systems in both challenging and isolated settings, we are experts in launching solarpowered repeater solutions, radio systems, and more to ensure you stay connected.
Everything we do is delivering customer value
APOD Solar Repeaters
Exploration Planning
We are a team a skillful people.
Our engineering team will start the initial planning for network design, conduct needs assessments, set benchmarks, and perform coverage analysis. This groundwork during the exploratory phase guarantees that, when it’s time, you will have a comprehensive communication solution ready to operate at your site.
Network Planning
02
Feasibility Communications
Communication solutions tailored for the crucial feasibility stages of your mining projects
How we can help
Our experience in feasibility
Westcan ACS delivers specialized on-site communication solutions tailored for the feasibility stages of your mining projects. Our portfolio includes microwave data solutions, satellite equipment, and our proprietary APOD solar repeater systems (located across mountain tops throughout British Columbia).
We engage with your team throughout the order of magnitude, preliminary feasibility, and detailed feasibility studies to guarantee that your communication systems are not only meeting today’s needs but are also scalable and efficient for the future.
Reliable, efficient, and scalable communications
APOD Solar Repeater
Feasibility Planning
In Canada’s remote wilderness.
Our team of engineers and technical service professionals are registered with Engineers and Geo Scientists British Columbia (EGBC). We will bring a high level of expertise and commitment to every project. By partnering with industry-leading brands, we are ready to provide robust, dependable communication solutions for your unique needs.
Understanding coverage needs is a complex process, that’s why our services encompass advanced RF engineering, propagation planning, network design, and path analysis. Our goal is to refine every facet of your communication system, ensuring it is built for durability and flexibility, thereby securing reliable connectivity for your operations well into the future.
Path Analysis
Construction Communications
Services tailored to the unique environment of your specific mine
Seamless connectivity during the construction phase to increase safety and efficiency
How we can help
Our experience in construction
Ensuring seamless connectivity is crucial during the construction phase. Establishing a comprehensive and efficient communication system is essential for site safety.
At Westcan, our engineering and technical services team partner with industry leading brands to provide you with a robust and reliable solution for your specific needs. From the onset of construction, we ensure compliance with ISED licensing, address operational challenges caused by network or interference issues, develop solid contingency plans for critical components, and guarantee the installation of suitable equipment on-site, tailored to the specific demands of your terrain.
Mining Construction
& Reliable Communications
By utilizing a trunked system, mining operations experience increased communication, enhanced safety, coordination between construction teams and earthmoving teams, coverage over broad areas, and system scalability.
Westcan’s APOD solar repeater systems are easily deployed and provide remote connectivity in a costeffective way for smaller operations, or where trunked radio systems are not required.
We are also industry experts in the implementation of microwave data solutions, which provide the British Columbia mining sector with a reliable, fast, and flexible connectivity option during the construction phase.
04Operational Mining Communications
During the peak operation of mines, maintaining uninterrupted communication is essential for the safety of your workforce.
How we can help Keeping operational mines connected
Once a mining operation transitions from the construction to the operational phase, the need for robust, reliable communication becomes even more critical to ensure safety, efficiency, and productivity.
Technologies like two-way radio systems, Broadband Push-to-talk, private LTE, and microwave data solutions are key to keeping you seamlessly connected.
As your mining operations evolve, we are committed to keeping you equipped with the necessary tools for seamless communications.
Beyond just keeping all communication equipment in top working condition on-site, we’re here to support you with any service requests, training needs, system upgrades, and routine maintenance. At Westcan, we take pride in being your comprehensive solutions provider from start to finish.
Westcan Connects: Powering Your Mine’s
Future with Unmatched Communication Solutions
Our area of expertise
For operational mining
01 Private LTE Networks
Private LTE networks revolutionize communication in the mining sector by providing robust, secure, and high-speed connectivity.
Broadband Push-To-Talk
Broadband PTT allows for instant communication among workers, which is critical in the fast-paced and often hazardous environments of the mining sector.
02 03 04 05 06
Leaky Feeder Systems
Leaky feeder systems enable communication extend communications into underground tunnels, shafts, ramps and block cuts that are often very challenging environments for voice and data communications.
07
Tagging & Tracking
Tagging and tracking technologies enable mining companies to increase safety by providing detailed data on the movement of equipment and personnel.
Digital Radio Systems
Trunked radio systems offer a reliable, efficient way to manage and allocate communication channels among large groups of users across expansive, often challenging terrains.
Microwave Internet
Microwave data solutions establish a reliable, high-speed connectivity option in remote and rugged terrains where traditional wired services are impractical or too costly to deploy.
Satellite Communications
Satellite communications offer a lifeline to mining operations situated in the world’s most remote and inaccessible regions, ensuring connectivity where traditional networks cannot reach.
08
Proximity Detection
Proximity detection systems prevent injuries and potential fatalities by ensuring mining vehicles and personnel maintain safe proximity levels.
Private LTE in Mining
A Westcan Specialty
We implement private LTE networks by focusing on customization, reliability, and scalability, so we can meet the unique needs of individual mining operations.
Private LTE networks provide a critical solution that are tailored for the stringent requirements of the mining sector.
These networks offer secure, reliable, and high-capacity wireless connectivity that is essential for supporting various operational needs, in various environments.
Dedicated & Secure Network
Private LTE offers a dedicated network infrastructure that ensures secure communications, free from the interference and congestion often found in public networks.
Enhanced Coverage & Capacity
Mining operations often span vast and remote areas, including underground sites where conventional communication networks fail to reach. Private LTE networks help.
Private LTE & Broadband
Support for Critical Communications
The high reliability and low latency of private LTE networks ensure that critical communications, such as emergency calls, real-time video surveillance, and remote control of equipment, are efficiently supported.
Scalability & Flexibility
Private LTE networks offer the scalability needed to support the growing demands of the mining sector, including the increasing use of IoT (Internet of Things).
Improved Operational Efficiency
By providing reliable connectivity for real-time data collection, private LTE enables better decision-making, optimized operations, and increased productivity.
Enhanced Worker Safety
Private LTE networks support various applications that enhance worker safety, including location tracking, man-down alerts, and real-time video monitoring.
Trunked Radio Systems
A Westcan Specialty
Motorola Capacity Max stands as a pivotal solution for the mining sector, addressing its intrinsic need for reliable, secure, and scalable communication networks.
Here’s how Capacity Max serves the mining sector:
Enhanced Coverage & Connectivity
Motorola Capacity Max supports wide area coverage, and can be tailored to extend reliable connectivity deep into mining operations.
Scalable & Flexible Infrastructure
Capacity Max is designed to grow with your mining operations, starting small and scaling up to hundreds or even thousands of users across multiple sites.
Robust Security Features
Capacity Max offers strong security features, including authentication, encryption, and the ability to remotely disable lost or stolen radios, thereby safeguarding communications against unauthorized access or eavesdropping.
Prioritized Communications
In a mining environment, different teams have different communication needs. Capacity Max allows for the prioritization of communication, ensuring that critical messages like safety alerts are given priority.
Interoperability and Integration:
Motorola Capacity Max can integrate with existing communication systems and various technologies, including LTE and public safety networks.
Motorola’s solutions are known for their ruggedness and reliability, attributes that are critical in the harsh conditions of mining environments. Their two-way radios are designed to operate consistently under extreme conditions, ensuring that communication lines remain open even in the most challenging circumstances.
Emergency and Safety
Motorola trunked radios offer features like emergency calls, man-down alerts, and lone worker monitoring, which are essential for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of miners. These features allow for immediate response in the event of an accident or hazardous
Data Capabilities and Application Support
Beyond voice communication, Capacity Max supports data transmission, which is essential for sending texts, GPS location tracking, and integrating with applications
Dig Deeper: Trunking Solutions for Seamless Communication in Mining Operations
Broadband Push-ToTalk
A Westcan Specialty
Broadband Push-To-Talk
Instant PTT communications among team members is vital for coordinating operations in the mining sector. That’s why we specialize in MCPTT (Mission-Critical Push to Talk).
Emergency Features
Emergency call features allow for rapid response in critical situations, helping to keep you team safe, and connected.
Web Dispatch
Providing dispatch with real-time access to communication teams, location tracking, and emergency alert.
Instant Messaging
Integrating voice, video, and text on a single platform tailored for the mission critical needs in the mining sector, with Push-To-Talk over Cellular
Text based communication allows for the instant exchange of information, instructions, and alerts.
VoIP Communications
Voice over IP services ensure reliable voice communication over the internet, which can be essential in remote mining operations with limited traditional infrastructure.
Push to Talk for Mining: Instant Connection, Increased Safety
Microwave Data Solutions
A Westcan Specialty
Microwave data solutions use radio waves for data transmission over wide distances, providing a robust and reliable communication solution for the mining industry.
Here’s how these solutions benefit the mining sector:
High-Capacity Communication
High
Bandwidth:
Microwave solutions offer high data transmission rates, supporting the vast data needs of modern mining operations, including real-time monitoring, telemetry, and automated systems.
Low Latency:
These solutions have low latency, which is crucial for the real-time control of machinery and for communication systems requiring quick response times.
Operational Efficiency and Safety
Real-Time Data Access:
With microwave data, mining operations can access real-time data from sensors and equipment across the site, enhancing decision-making, operational efficiency, and safety.
Connect Beyond Limits: Microwave
Internet Solutions Powering Remote Operations Anywhere, Anytime
Remote Connectivity
Reach Remote Locations: Microwave links can provide high-speed internet access to mining sites located in remote areas where traditional wired connections are not feasible or too costly to install.
Rapid Deployment:
Compared to wired infrastructure, microwave data solutions can be deployed quickly, providing immediate connectivity benefits to new or temporary mining sites.
Support for Automation and IoT
Automation:
Reliable, high-speed internet is essential for the automation of mining operations, from autonomous vehicles to drilling and blasting operations, improving productivity and reducing human exposure to hazardous environments.
Internet of Things (IoT):
Microwave internet supports the deployment of IoT devices for monitoring various aspects of mining operations, including environmental monitoring, equipment health, and resource management.
Leaky Feeder Systems
A Westcan Specialty
Leaky feeder systems play a crucial role in ensuring safety in the mining industry. By “leaking” radio signals along its path, a leaky feeder system provide coverage to any underground areas, including tunnels and shafts. Here’s how leaky feeder systems benefit the mining sector:
Continuous & Reliable Communications
Underground Connectivity:
Leaky feeder systems enable reliable twoway radio communication throughout underground tunnels, allowing miners to stay connected with the surface and each other, even in remote or deep parts of the mine.
Real-time Coordination:
These systems facilitate real-time coordination of mining operations, improving operational efficiency and response times to incidents.
Enhanced Safety
Emergency Communication:
In the event of an emergency, such as a cave-in or equipment failure, leaky feeder systems ensure that communication channels remain open, allowing for rapid response and instant communication.
Monitoring and Alerts:
The system can be integrated with monitoring equipment to transmit realtime alerts and data on environmental conditions, such as gas levels or structural integrity, helping to prevent accidents and health issues.
Keeping you Connected
Leaky Feeder
Systems:
the Lifeline of Underground Mines
Operational Scalability & Flexibility
Adaptable
to Mine Layouts:
Leaky feeder systems can be extended or reconfigured as mines expand or change, providing flexibility and scalability to meet the dynamic needs of mining operations.
Support for Additional Services:
Beyond voice communication, these systems can support data transmission and other services, such as tracking systems and remote equipment monitoring, further enhancing operational capabilities.
Improved Operational Efficiency
Efficient Communication:
With the ability to communicate across the mine, workers can quickly share information, make informed decisions, and resolve issues, leading to improved productivity and reduced downtime.
Mobility:
Workers are not tethered to fixed communication points and can move freely throughout the mine while staying connected, enhancing operational efficiency.
Satellite Communications
A Westcan Specialty
Global Coverage and Connectivity
Through satellite phones and dishes, satellite communications offer global coverage, enabling mining operations in the most isolated regions to stay connected with the world, ensuring seamless communication between remote sites and headquarters.
Operational Efficiency
Satellite communications facilitate the real-time transmission of data from mining sites to offices anywhere in the world. This allows for the immediate analysis of data, equipment health monitoring, and other critical operational information, leading to more informed decision making.
Scalability and Flexibility
As mining operations expand, satellite communication systems can easily scale to meet growing communication needs without significant additional investment.
Satellite
communications play a pivotal role in modernizing the mining sector,
Ensuring that no matter how remote, mining operations can remain connected, safe, and productive.
Tagging & Tracking
Enhanced Safety
One of the primary benefits of tagging and tracking technologies in mining is the improved safety they offer. By using RFID tags, GPS tracking, and other technologies, mining companies can monitor the location of personnel and equipment in real-time. This allows for immediate response in case of emergencies, such as cave-ins or equipment failures, and ensures that all personnel are accounted for at all times.
Operational Efficiency
Tagging and tracking technologies enable mining companies to optimize their operations by providing detailed data on the movement of equipment and personnel. This data can be used to analyze workflows, identify bottlenecks, and improve the efficiency of mining operations. For instance, tracking the movement of trucks and loaders can help in optimizing their routes, reducing fuel consumption, and minimizing idle time.
Empowering Safety and Efficiency: Beyond the Surface with Smart Tagging & Tracking
Proximity Detection Systems A Westcan Specialty
Proximity detection systems offer several benefits aimed at improving safety and productivity. Here’s how these systems are advantageous to the mining industry.
Enhanced Safety
Prevent Accidents & Collisions
By alerting operators to the presence of personnel or machinery in their vicinity, these systems significantly reduce the risk of collisions, which are a major safety concern in mining operations.
Worker Location Tracking:
In emergencies, such as a cave-in or explosion, proximity detection systems can quickly provide the location of workers, improving response times for rescue operations.
Increased Operational Efficiency
Automated Operations:
Some systems can integrate with machinery controls to automatically slow down or stop equipment when they detect personnel in restricted areas, thus preventing unauthorized access and potential safety incidents without human intervention.
Efficient Traffic Management:
By monitoring the location of vehicles and personnel, mining operations can optimize the flow of traffic within the mine, reducing congestion and improving the overall efficiency of mining operations.
Increasing Mining Safety with
proximity detection
Compliance & Safety
Regulatory Compliance:
Many regions have strict safety regulations that require the implementation of advanced safety systems, including proximity detection, to protect workers in the mining industry.
Real-time Monitoring:
These systems provide real-time data on personnel and equipment locations, ensuring that operations are in compliance with safety protocols and allowing for immediate corrective action if necessary.
Data Driven Decisions
Operational Insights:
The data collected by proximity detection systems can be analyzed to gain insights into operational patterns, identifying areas for improvement in safety protocols and operational efficiency.
Predictive Maintenance:
By monitoring equipment proximity and interactions, these systems can help predict equipment failures before they occur, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Westcan ACS Headquarters: 12540 129 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5L4R4
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