By Carolyn J Dawson, TMCnet Contributor
The mining processes for copper and other minerals takes place in some of the most remote regions of the world because of the nature of the industry. These mines are usually controlled by a handful of expats. These expats may be continents away from their home and family and they suffer from loneliness. As a result, it is pretty hard for companies to control their attrition rates and keep good employees. In order to overcome this problem, First Quantum (News – Alert) Minerals Ltd. of Vancouver British Columbia has taken steps with the installation of a satellite Earth Station. This can be utilized exclusively for the communication purposes of the employee’s housing compound. New Era Systems already controls full communication requirements of the company’s mine sites. Now, it has been asked to provide communication facilities to the employee’s compound. In a release Phil Thomas who is the President of New Era Systems said that “Satellite communication is not a difficult task; we send FQM the complete equipment package, and a local installer makes the system operational within three days of receiving it.” With the help of this new communication system, the employees are able to exchange email, photographs, telephone and even video conversation with their family back home. Parts of the satellite system include a dish, a satellite radio, a modem and a router. Every room can be connected by cable or wireless based on the layout of the compound. The significant point is that the housing communication system is entirely separate from the corporate system. First Quantum gives utmost importance to their employees and looks for ways to lessen the high cost of employee turnover. The company found this advantage to be welcomed by their staff. FQM and New Era have cooperated on other housing communication systems in the past. In future also, both these companies will most likely do the same, as new mine sites are established. New Era Systems, Inc. is based in Pompano Beach, Fla. The company is a provider of satellite equipment and bandwidth connections to Mining and Exploration companies since 2000. It provides satellite communications for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Carolyn John is a Contributor to TMCnet. To read more of her articles, please columnist page.
Edited by Erin Harrison
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