MST improves wireless network switch for hard rock mines

Mine Site Technologies says the NS50 wireless network switch is the next generation of premier wireless components it has created. It supersedes the WNS (Wireless Network Switch) for application in hard rock mines. The NS50 leverages the proven and widely deployed WNS platform, and expands upon its functionality.Two years ago, MST introduced a revised composite cable and connector for its coal range of network products. This revised arrangement is more compact, is easier to deploy, easier to terminate, and more resistant to corrosion. The NS50 uses this revised system, allowing MST to standardise the composite cable and connector system across the entire Wireless Network Switch product line. Every connector cap, including the external Ethernet and antennae connectors, is now also secured with a lanyard.

The NS50 enclosure borrows from MST’s underground coal Wireless Network Switch (NS40), and provides a hermetically sealed and rugged environment for the unit’s electronic components.

The NS50 now makes the Reset Button and the Factory Default Button available external to the unit, and it is no longer necessary to open the unit to access these buttons.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is now built in and shipped as a standard feature for all four of the external Ethernet ports. In addition to the features noted the new NS50 also has externally accessible control switches and voltage suppression is a standard feature.

Also MST has acquired Nixon Communications, a network and communications infrastructure provider to mining.

In planning to build the business further from a strongly growing base, MST raised growth capital from Macquarie Capital earlier this year, researching companies and technologies that could contribute to its growth. Building on MST’s underground mining strengths, the Nixons acquisition is a core element of MST’s ongoing development of its surface mining and resources business, substantially expanding its capabilities. Founder of Nixon Communications, John Nixon, will remain with the combined company for at least 18 months as an adviser and consultant.

MST will continue to pursue its growth strategy both organically and through acquisitions. For both companies’ customers, business will continue as usual, while they will increasingly benefit from the combined strengths of the merged companies. MST customers will soon be able to draw on Nixon’s expertise and resource pool in surface mining and pipeline communications.

Retaining its branding, management team and continuing to operate as usual, Nixons will become a key part of MST’s Australian Field Operations, headed by Christian Fischer, General Manager.

CEO of MST, Lloyd Zenari said: “Nixons will continue to operate under its current name and retain its current autonomy, entrepreneurial character and flexibility, but now also benefits from the resources and critical mass of the expanded group, able to scale up for our customers without compromising responsiveness and service.”
Zenari said that in making the decision to join MST and Nixons, the cultural match between the two companies was very important. “The fit is excellent in a number of key areas. Both MST and Nixons have a very strong safety focus, with field teams looking out for each others’ safety onsite in remote, often hazardous and difficult locations.
“The two businesses have very little overlap in their product set and customer base. We also share a long commitment to mining and adjacent sectors, developing fit‐for‐purpose services and products, and a focus on building the capability of our people” said Zenari.

Nixon Communications Founder and Managing Director John Nixon said that Mine Site Technologies and Nixon have complementary businesses, technologies and culture that now combine to create a strong merged company. “Nixons will benefit from MST’s underground mining communications strengths and international market leadership in that sector, while we will contribute our leading experience and expertise in surface mining and pipeline communications to MST’s customers both in Australia and internationally. We look forward to starting to work together to develop business and opportunities.”

“There are significant opportunities for both businesses and for our skilled people to collaborate and for Nixons to now grow our business outside of our core Queensland market, both around Australia and internationally.”