Keep Your Mine Connected. Safe. Productive.

Australian-made tactical fibre optic systems engineered for underground and surface mining operations

From the coalface to the control room, Fibre Systems delivers ruggedised fibre optic connectivity that stands up to the toughest conditions in Australian mining. Our tactical cable reels, expanded beam connectors, and custom assemblies keep your operations running safely and efficiently, whether you’re managing longwall communications, autonomous vehicle networks, or real-time monitoring systems.

About us

High-performance connectivity for Australian industries

Fibre Systems was founded in answer to Australia’s need for a local provider of ruggedised, rapidly deployable fibre optic solutions. With customised, in-house assembly, we deliver high-performance connectivity to Australian industries across a range of critical sectors.

Mining Industry Challenges

Mining operations present some of the most demanding environments for communications infrastructure. Underground tunnels, open-cut pits, and processing facilities each bring unique challenges that standard telecommunications equipment simply cannot withstand. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward implementing connectivity solutions that truly perform.

Extreme Environmental Conditions

Mining environments subject communications equipment to punishing conditions that would destroy conventional cabling within days. Underground operations expose cables to constant moisture, corrosive groundwater, and abrasive rock surfaces. Surface operations add the challenges of extreme UV exposure, wide temperature variations from scorching days to freezing nights, and airborne particulates that infiltrate standard connectors.

Standard fibre optic connectors rely on physical contact between polished ferrules, making them vulnerable to contamination from dust, coal particles, and moisture. A single speck of contamination can cause signal loss or complete failure. In mining environments where dust is unavoidable and maintenance access is often difficult, this represents a critical vulnerability in communications infrastructure.

Cost-efficiency

Fibre Systems products minimise network downtime and keep costs down through superior reliability, long-lasting installations and rapid deployment/retrieval.

Versatile installation

Assemblies are tailored to the requirements of your site, designed for flexibility, versatility and reusability to ensure faster, simpler installations.

Our Mining Products

M85045/17-01 Shipboard Cable 8 Fibre Singlemode

The Shipboard LSZH fibre optic cable is engineered with a tight-buffered, water-blocked design and manufactured from high-quality low-smoke, zero-halogen materials. It complies with U.S. Department of Defence specification MIL-PRF-85045 and is supplied in 1, 4, and 8-fibre variants.

M85045/17-02 Shipboard Cable 8 Fibre Multimode

M85045/16-02 Shipboard Cable 4 Fibre Multimode

M85045/16-01 Shipboard Cable 4 Fibre Singlemode

Micro Expanded Beam Termini

Micro Expanded Beam technology is uniquely available in all industry generic connectors with standard zirconia ceramic ferrules. Fibre Systems provides the technology to add 125um OD singlemode collimators directly to the fibre end-face. These then terminate inside connectors like LC, FC, ST, SC and Mil contacts (294504/4/5).

GX Series 72 Fibre Cable

GX design allows for indoor/outdoor installations using a single cable type. Supports multiple routing of multifibre sub-cables, with connectors terminating directly to the fibre.

Our Mining Solutions

Fibre Systems provides a comprehensive range of ruggedised fibre optic products specifically selected and assembled for Australian mining applications. Our Sydney-based facility enables us to create custom assemblies tailored to your exact requirements, with quality control processes that ensure every product meets the demanding standards of the mining industry.

Tactical Cable Reels

in 2, 4, 6, and 12 channel configurations, these reels enable rapid deployment and retrieval of fibre optic cables in the field. The reel mechanism provides controlled payout and take-up, preventing cable damage during handling while allowing quick repositioning as operational requirements change.

Key features include:

Heavy-duty construction rated for industrial environments
Integrated tension control for safe deployment
Ruggedised connectors pre-terminated for immediate use
Cable lengths from 100m to 2km or custom specifications

Expanded Beam Connectors

Expanded beam connector technology represents a fundamental advancement over traditional physical contact connectors for harsh environment applications. Rather than relying on direct ferrule-to-ferrule contact, expanded beam connectors use precision lenses to expand the light beam at the interface. This expanded beam is far more tolerant of contamination, misalignment, and wear, providing reliable connections even in dirty, wet, or dusty conditions.

We supply expanded beam connector solutions from leading manufacturers, including the complete range of sizes from miniature to heavy-duty configurations. These connectors maintain excellent optical performance despite the contamination levels typical in mining operations, with IP68/IP69K ratings available for immersion and high-pressure washdown resistance.

Ruggedised Cable Assemblies

Our cable assembly capability allows us to create exactly the right product for your application. We work with a range of ruggedised cable constructions including tight-buffered, loose tube, and armoured designs, selecting the appropriate construction based on the specific environmental and mechanical requirements of each installation.

Cable options include:

Polyurethane jacketed cables for abrasion and chemical resistance
Steel wire armoured cables for crush and rodent protection
Hybrid cables combining fibre with copper power conductors
Breakout assemblies for transitioning from multi-fibre trunk to individual connections

Our Mining Solutions

Expansive industry capabilities

With decades of advanced, sector-specific expertise, our team offers nothing short of perfect cabling and connectivity solutions for our clients. We partner with global leaders in the industry to bring the highest quality products to our shores. But it is our hands-on, in-field experience that ensures we deliver fibre optic products that perform in all conditions.

Our expansive set of capabilities extends across every aspect of fibre optics. More than just cabling, we design entire connectivity systems, acting as a single-source supplier for local clients with specific needs–whether it be supporting critical data centre operations, harsh mining environments or rapidly deployed Defence networks. For every challenge, no matter how complex or hazardous, Fibre Systems has the ability and experience to engineer a robust fibre optic solution.

Why Mining Operators Choose Fibre Systems

Australian mining operations demand communications infrastructure that performs reliably in the harshest conditions. From underground longwall faces to remote surface operations, Fibre Systems delivers ruggedised fibre optic solutions engineered to meet the unique challenges of the mining industry.

Intrinsically Safe by Design

Fibre optic technology eliminates the electrical ignition risks associated with copper communications. Light transmission creates no sparks, no heat from resistance, and no risk of ignition from damaged or exposed cables. This inherent safety characteristic makes fibre optic solutions ideal for deployment in hazardous areas within coal mines and other operations where explosive atmospheres may exist.

Complete Immunity to EMI

Mining equipment generates significant electromagnetic interference from variable speed drives, high-current motors, and electrical switching systems. Fibre optic cables are completely immune to this interference, ensuring clean signal transmission regardless of the electrical environment. This immunity also provides inherent galvanic isolation, eliminating ground loop issues that plague copper communications in mining installations.

Built for Impact and Crush Resistance

Our ruggedised products are designed to withstand the physical abuse common in mining operations. Heavy-duty connectors resist impact from dropped tools and equipment. Armoured cable assemblies protect against vehicle crush and rock fall damage. Tactical reels are built to survive rough handling during transport and deployment.

Australian-Based Support and Assembly

Our Sydney facility means quick turnaround on custom assemblies and ready availability of stock products. When you need technical support or have urgent requirements, you deal directly with knowledgeable Australian staff who understand the mining industry and can respond quickly to your needs.

Mining Applications

From the working face to the surface control room, reliable communications infrastructure is essential to modern mining operations. Fibre Systems products are deployed across a wide range of mining applications, supporting everything from day-to-day production to critical safety systems.

Longwall Face Communications

Longwall mining operations require communications infrastructure that can move with the advancing face. Our tactical cable reel systems provide the flexibility needed for these dynamic environments, allowing cables to be deployed and retrieved as shields advance. Expanded beam connectors ensure reliable connections despite the dust and water present at the working face.

Conveyor Belt Monitoring

Modern conveyor systems incorporate extensive monitoring for belt condition, alignment, speed, and material flow. Fibre optic backbone networks provide the bandwidth and reliability needed to aggregate data from sensors distributed along the entire conveyor length, feeding real-time information to control systems and maintenance monitoring platforms.

Autonomous Vehicle Networks

Autonomous haul trucks and load-haul-dump vehicles require high-bandwidth, low-latency communications for safe operation. Fibre optic infrastructure forms the backbone of these networks, connecting surface control centres to underground WiFi access points and vehicle tracking systems. Our products support the demanding uptime requirements of autonomous mining operations.

Safety and Emergency Systems

Critical safety systems including emergency communications, personnel tracking, and ventilation control depend on reliable connectivity. Fibre optic networks provide the dependable infrastructure needed for these life-safety applications, with immunity to the interference and environmental factors that can compromise copper-based systems.

Technical Specifications

Cable Types

Singlemode (OS2) for long-distance, high-bandwidth applications
Multimode (OM3/OM4) for shorter-range, high-speed connections
Tight-buffered and loose tube constructions available

Connector Options

Expanded beam connectors (multiple size options)
Ruggedised LC/SC connectors with IP-rated housings
OpticalCON and other broadcast-standard connectors

Environmental Ratings

IP68/IP69K rated connectors available
Operating temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
UV resistant jacketing for surface installations

FAQs

What makes fibre optic cable intrinsically safe for mining applications?

Fibre optic cables transmit information using light rather than electrical current. Because there is no electricity flowing through the cable, there is no possibility of electrical sparks that could ignite flammable gases or dust. This makes fibre optic an inherently safe technology for deployment in hazardous areas of coal mines and other operations where explosive atmospheres may exist.

How do tactical cable reels work in mining applications?

Tactical cable reels provide a controlled method for deploying and retrieving fibre optic cables in the field. The reel mechanism manages cable payout under tension, preventing kinks and damage during deployment. When the operational area changes, the cable can be retrieved onto the reel for redeployment elsewhere. This enables the flexibility needed for advancing mining faces and changing work areas.

Should I use singlemode or multimode fibre for underground mining?

The choice depends on your specific requirements. Singlemode fibre supports longer distances and higher bandwidths, making it ideal for backbone networks spanning the full extent of underground operations. Multimode fibre is cost-effective for shorter connections and may be appropriate for specific applications. We can advise on the optimal choice for your particular installation.

What is the typical lifespan of ruggedised fibre optic products in mining?

With appropriate selection and installation, ruggedised fibre optic products can provide many years of reliable service in mining environments. The key factors are selecting products appropriate for the specific environmental conditions and ensuring proper installation practices. Our technical team can advise on product selection to maximise service life in your application.

Do you offer rental or hire of tactical cable reels?

We primarily focus on sales of tactical cable systems. However, for specific project requirements, please contact us to discuss your needs. We may be able to assist with short-term arrangements or can advise on the most cost-effective solution for your particular situation.

Can you create custom cable assemblies for our specific mining application?

Yes, custom assembly is one of our core capabilities. Our Sydney facility enables us to create assemblies tailored to your exact specifications, including specific cable types, connector combinations, and lengths. We work with you to understand your requirements and deliver products configured precisely for your application.

Ready to Improve Your Mining Communications?

Whether you need tactical cable reels for longwall operations, expanded beam connectors for harsh conditions, or custom assemblies for a specific application, Fibre Systems has the products and expertise to meet your mining connectivity requirements.

Contact our team today to discuss your mining fibre optic needs. We provide Australian-based support and can deliver custom solutions with fast turnaround from our Sydney assembly facility.