Paratus and Eutelsat Target Southern Africa’s Mining Sector with Advanced Connectivity Solutions

Shawn Bruwer – Managing Director, Paratus Botswana (left), with a delegate

Paratus Botswana and satellite operator Eutelsat are strengthening their partnership to provide resilient connectivity solutions for Southern Africa’s mining industry, supporting the sector’s growing adoption of digital technologies, automation and artificial intelligence.

As mining companies across Southern Africa accelerate digital transformation, telecommunications provider Paratus Botswana and global satellite operator Eutelsat are positioning integrated connectivity as a critical enabler of modern mining operations.

The two companies showcased their latest communications technologies at the Future of Mining Summit 2026 in Gaborone, where Paratus Botswana participated as the event’s official connectivity partner and silver sponsor.

Their collaboration reflects growing demand for reliable, high-speed communications infrastructure capable of supporting increasingly digital mining operations, particularly in remote areas where conventional terrestrial networks remain limited.

Hybrid Connectivity Powers Digital Mining

Mining companies are increasingly deploying technologies such as real-time data analytics, automation, artificial intelligence, remote asset monitoring and autonomous equipment to improve productivity, operational efficiency and worker safety.

These innovations require uninterrupted, low-latency connectivity, creating new opportunities for telecommunications providers offering integrated network solutions.

Paratus Botswana combines its extensive terrestrial fibre network with Eutelsat OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology to deliver seamless communications across mining operations in Botswana and the wider Southern African region.

The hybrid approach provides network redundancy and business continuity, ensuring mining operations remain connected even in areas where fibre or microwave infrastructure is unavailable or disrupted.

Supporting Africa’s Mining Ecosystem

Speaking at the summit, Paratus Botswana Managing Director Shawn Bruwer said the future of mining extends beyond mineral extraction to include the industries that enable efficient and sustainable operations.

According to Bruwer, sectors such as telecommunications, transport, energy and workforce development are becoming increasingly important as mining companies modernise their operations.

He noted that today’s mining industry requires connectivity solutions that are scalable, resilient and capable of supporting mission-critical applications.

LEO Satellites Enhance Operational Efficiency

Eutelsat said Low Earth Orbit satellite technology is transforming digital infrastructure for mining operations across Africa.

By integrating Eutelsat OneWeb’s satellite capabilities with Paratus’ regional communications network, mining companies can improve operational resilience while maintaining continuous connectivity for essential business functions.

Low Earth Orbit satellites provide lower latency than traditional satellite systems, making them suitable for applications such as autonomous mining equipment, environmental monitoring, predictive maintenance and workforce safety systems.

The technology also complements existing terrestrial infrastructure, helping mining operators maintain communications in geographically challenging locations.

Digital Infrastructure Driving Mining Competitiveness

Industry demand for advanced connectivity is expected to increase as mining companies pursue digitalisation strategies aimed at lowering operating costs, improving sustainability and increasing production efficiency.

For Botswana, where mining remains a cornerstone of the national economy, investments in resilient digital infrastructure are expected to enhance the sector’s global competitiveness while supporting the adoption of next-generation mining technologies.

Paratus Botswana, part of the pan-African Paratus Group, has expanded significantly since entering the market in 2016 and now provides communications services covering more than 90% of Botswana’s population.

Eutelsat, one of the world’s leading satellite communications operators, manages a fleet of geostationary satellites alongside more than 600 Low Earth Orbit satellites, delivering connectivity solutions to businesses and governments worldwide.

As Africa’s mining industry embraces digital transformation, partnerships between telecommunications providers and satellite operators are expected to play an increasingly important role in enabling smart, connected and more efficient mining operations across the continent.