SES Networks announced it will provide managed connectivity services to support the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project, a high-grade copper mine exploration. SES’ O3b Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite fleet will enable operators on-site to do video-conferencing with headquarters, use cloud-based applications to access and upload critical data, and improve overall productivity and safety.

The project is a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining and the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Located about 270 (167.7 miles) kilometers away from the provincial capital of Lubumbashi, the mine exploration covers a near-surface stratiform copper deposit with adjacent exploration areas within the Central African Copperbelt.

According to Ivanhoe Mines, an area of 2 km by 1 km has already been drilled off at Kakula West, while the drilling in the “saddle” area between Kakula West and Kakula is rapidly being in-filled to prepare for an update resource estimate expected in February.