SES signs a new agreement between Ivanhoe Mines. Photo: SES

SES has extended a relationship with a key mining company in Africa. It has signed a new deal with Ivanhoe Mines which will see the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo continue to deploy high-speed satellite-based connectivity services based on SES satellites. The two companies announced the deal, Jan. 23.

The two companies have already been working together for around five years. The African mining market is a key target vertical for SES. Its O3b constellation aims to power connectivity for leading mining operators, driving a digitalization revolution for the sector that will help to increase profitability while improving worker safety and accountability.

“Our long-standing partnership with SES has already helped us to improve the profitability of our extraction, and supported our goal of improving the safety and welfare of all of our staff. In addition to that, O3b connectivity services will also help us leverage the latest applications, communicate in real time and maximise our productivity,” Anil Udayabhanu, head of Technology at Kamoa Copper, said in a statement.