Arandis: R¶ssing Uranium Limited has commissioned four private long-term evolution (LTE) towers at its mine in order to boost network coverage across its 50-year-old open pit and surrounding areas. The project, which is part of the mine's broader infrastructure upgrade exceeding N.dollars 10 million, was implemented in partnership with MTC.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the project saw an investment of N.dollars 3.7 million specifically for the LTE towers and is part of the mine's wider digital transformation strategy aimed at supporting modern smart mining practices. Speaking during the commissioning event at Arandis on Thursday, R¶ssing Uranium Managing Director Johan Coetzee emphasized that dependable connectivity has become central to safe and efficient mining operations. He stated that every aspect of the mine's operations, from dispatching trucks to analyzing drill readings and receiving safety alerts, relies on strong, uninterrupted communication. Without it, the mine faces exposure to risks.
Coetzee highlighted that safety remains the mine's top priority, especially in the dynamic open pit environment where slopes can shift and heavy machinery is continuously in motion. He stressed that, in critical moments, communication is vital for real-time monitoring and rapid response, which ultimately helps protect lives. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to improve fleet management, GPS tracking, automated dispatch systems, and overall coordination, thereby reducing operational uncertainty and strengthening productivity.
MTC Managing Director, Licky Erastus, described the project as a major milestone in enterprise-focused digital solutions. He noted that all four LTE sites are now fully operational and have already stabilized coverage and improved communication reliability across the mine. Erastus remarked that the project reflects a shared commitment to harnessing and driving digitalization in areas such as safety, automation, telemetry, contractor management, and overall operational efficiency and effectiveness.
He also mentioned that MTC's Enterprise Business Unit had adopted a business model in recent years focused on customized private sector solutions, with the R¶ssing project serving as a clear example of that strategy in action. Erastus further commended R¶ssing for choosing MTC as its digital connectivity partner, attributing the successful delivery of the project to the strong collaboration between both teams, from site preparation and tower erection to fiber integration, safety compliance, and final commissioning.