How Viasat satellites are supporting early warning systems for landslides and disasters

We are working IoT pioneer Worldsensing as part of our ELEVATE program to help prevent disasters in large scale infrastructure and mining projects.

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Aerial view of a large mine and processing facility

Mining is a critical industry, making a major contribution to global economies and providing materials and minerals found in vital technologies like electric vehicles, wind turbines and every mobile phone around the world. But mine sites can be hazardous. Companies in the sector are under increasing pressure to make sure their workers are equipped with the tools to work as safely and effectively as possible.

So how can satellite-enabled IoT technology help prevent the worst-case scenario? That is where our new ELEVATE partner Worldsensing comes in.

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, Worldsensing is a global pioneer in IoT solutions. They work with a network of global partners across 70 countries, connecting over 200,000 instrumentation and monitoring equipment. Their advanced solutions focus on remote monitoring for large-scale civil infrastructure projects, for example mines, dams, tunnels and bridges.

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Worldsensing provides remote monitoring for large-scale infrastructure projects.

In regions where terrestrial connectivity is either patchy or completely unavailable, satellite connectivity can help power its remote data collection and monitoring solution: a complete end-to-end early warning system. With always-on connectivity, it can detect real-time deviations in ground movements within as little as 2 seconds. It can then take it one step further by automating data-driven decisions using cameras, sirens and trigger notifications via SMS and email to help protect lives.

While Worldsensing work across a range of infrastructure projects, this issue is a particular challenge for the mining industry, where hazardous materials are stored behind dams, called ‘tailings storage facilities’, or TSFs. These can stretch for miles and hold back millions of tons of waste. According to some global reports, as much as a quarter of the world’s 29,000-35,000 mine tailings are currently abandoned or not monitored at all. The collapse of such facilities can be highly dangerous for both people living nearby and the local environment.

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A large mining Tailings Storage Facility (TSF)

As a new ELEVATE partner, Worldsensing will now have access to our highly reliable, global L-band satellite network and wider partner ecosystem. This aims to improve the coverage and reliability of Worldsensing’s solutions as well as open up new commercial doors to the company.

“We’re proud to partner with ELEVATE to help support a more resilient world. Infrastructure is key for making our lives safer, especially in the light of climate change,” said Ignasi Vilajosana, CEO, Worldsensing. “Real-time monitoring solutions are an important element of early warning systems; they enable decision-makers to take data-based actions and comply with regulations and ESG guidelines.”

Worldsensing joining ELEVATE continues our longstanding presence in providing satellite IoT connectivity for major industries. Last month, we launched our new service portfolio - including both operational AI and cybersecurity solutions - which aims to makes it easier for partners and customers to navigate our wide variety of IoT solutions.

Learn more about Worldsensing https://www.viasat.com/enterprise/elevate/find/partners/worldsensing/