How Icom’s Airband Communication System supports the BVLOS Operations and Smart Operation Plan of a major iron ore miner
THE CLIENT
ROY HILL
ROY HILL
Roy Hill is one of Australia’s largest iron ore mines, with the mineral tenement stretching approximately 30 km. This extensive site features a conventional open-pit mining operation with multiple production benches and a 60 million tonnes per annum wet processing plant. Ore is transported via a 344-kilometre single-line heavy haul railway to a two-berth iron ore port facility at Port Hedland, which exports 64 million tonnes annually.
Aviassist
This Case Study is In collaboration with Icom Australia authorised dealer
BACKGROUND
For over a decade, Roy Hill has leveraged drone technology to improve both efficiency and safety across their extensive mining operations. With the recent shift towards Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, they required advanced airband communication solutions that comply with new CASA regulations. These enhanced systems are vital for ensuring safe and effective long-distance drone flights, enabling detailed site monitoring and reducing the need for staff to operate in hazardous conditions.
Prioritising safety and operational efficiency, the implementation of BVLOS and smart, intelligent systems play a key role in achieving ongoing coordinated site management.
RESPONSE
Aviassist, Icom’s trusted Airband dealer, was approached to submit an application to CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) for license approval. This collaboration with Aviassist enabled Roy Hill to implement the necessary airband communication systems, including the Icom IC-A120E, VE-PG4 and IP100FS, to meet both operational and regulatory standards.
In this setup, there are three IP100FS Remote Communicator: two main units on PC control stations—one at the mine site and one in the Perth office—and another on a laptop used as a remote emergency control station. This configuration allows operations to be managed from either the mine (while still outside the operational areas), the Remote Operations Centre (ROC) in Perth, or from a remote location during an emergency. The Spatial Solutions and Services team can remotely launch and control drone flights from the ROC as needed, streamlining operations and enabling real-time monitoring without the need to be physically present at the mine.
SOLUTION
Integrated Icom’s VE-PG4 and Airband Radio to work on BVLOS Operations
Icom’s solution integrates the VE-PG4 with the IC-A120E airband transceiver to support BVLOS operations by providing real-time communication for drone operators. This setup ensures seamless contact with air traffic control (ATC) and internal teams while broadcasting the drone’s location and flight details to nearby manned aircraft. This approach not only helps comply with aviation regulations but also prevents potential conflicts in the airspace, enhancing both situational awareness and safety. By facilitating communication with regional ATC and maintaining internal communications, Icom’s system supports effective emergency response and operational efficiency. Redundancy is also a priority, with an Icom IC-A16E airband handheld radios available as a backup for staff members on site.
The integration of Icom’s airband communication system has improved real-time monitoring capabilities enhancing efficiency and supporting ongoing safe operations.
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