Paratus powers digital mining

by ODIRILE TOTENG
GABORONE, (CAJ News) – AS Southern Africa’s mining industry accelerates its digital transformation, telecommunications provider Paratus Botswana and satellite operator Eutelsat are positioning resilient, integrated connectivity as a cornerstone of the sector’s future.

The two companies showcased their latest connectivity solutions at the Future of Mining Summit 2026, where Paratus Botswana served as the official connectivity partner and silver sponsor.

Their joint participation highlighted the growing role of hybrid terrestrial and satellite networks in supporting modern mining operations, particularly in remote regions where conventional communications infrastructure often falls short.

Mining companies are increasingly relying on real-time data, automation, remote monitoring and artificial intelligence to improve productivity, safety and operational efficiency.

These technologies demand uninterrupted, high-speed connectivity, creating fresh opportunities for telecommunications providers capable of delivering reliable services in challenging environments.

Paratus Botswana combines its terrestrial fibre infrastructure with Eutelsat’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology to provide seamless communications for mining operations across Botswana and the wider Southern African region.

The integrated approach is designed to ensure business continuity by providing redundancy where fibre or microwave networks are unavailable, delayed or vulnerable to disruption.

Speaking during the summit, Paratus Botswana Managing Director Shawn Bruwer said mining’s future extends well beyond mineral extraction.

“The future of mining is not just in terms of the minerals and what we can extract from the ground, it’s also about the ecosystem of industries that enable mining to thrive,” he said.

Bruwer said mining continues to stimulate investment across supporting sectors, including transport, energy, telecommunications and human capital.

“Modern mining requires connectivity that is integrated, scalable and resilient, and the support to go with it,” he added.

Eutelsat Vice President for Africa Philippe Baudier said integrated network models were reshaping digital infrastructure for the mining industry.

“By combining Eutelsat OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit capabilities with Paratus’ extensive network and expertise across Africa, mining operations can achieve greater efficiency, resilience and continuity,” Baudier said.

The deployment of LEO satellite services has become increasingly attractive for mining companies operating in isolated areas because the technology delivers low-latency connectivity while complementing terrestrial infrastructure.

This enables uninterrupted communications for mission-critical applications, including autonomous equipment, environmental monitoring and workforce safety systems.

Industry experts believe demand for resilient connectivity will continue to grow as mining companies pursue digitalisation strategies aimed at lowering operating costs, improving sustainability and increasing production efficiency.

For Botswana, where mining remains a key pillar of the economy, stronger digital infrastructure is expected to enhance the sector’s competitiveness while attracting further investment into technologically advanced operations.

Paratus Botswana, part of the pan-African Paratus Group, has expanded rapidly since its establishment in 2016 and now operates an extensive communications network covering more than 90 per cent of Botswana’s population.

Eutelsat, one of the world’s leading satellite communications companies, operates a combined fleet of geostationary satellites and more than 600 Low Earth Orbit satellites, providing connectivity services across global markets.

– CAJ News