Inmarsat stated that the move is a further reflection of its ongoing engagement with the industry and its continued efforts to support the sector's goal towards zero harm and improved environmental performance in areas such as tailings dams.

The Global Mining Guidelines Group is an established and open platform where representatives from mining companies, regulators and research organisations regularly come together to discuss challenges, successes and disruptive technologies across the mining industry. As a multi-stakeholder organisation with representation from mining regions around the world, its aim is to draw on global experience to create guidelines that solve shared problems, encourage innovation and help reach alignment in the sector.

Amongst other achievements, the GMG has been a pioneer in setting guidelines for implementing autonomous vehicle standards and infrastructure for underground communications.

Following the launch of its tailings dam monitoring solution earlier this year, Inmarsat said that its membership offers a boost in the continued push towards a clear and standardised approach to tailings dam management. The company's IoT-based monitoring solution leverages advanced connectivity technologies to give mining companies increased visibility over the integrity of their dams, enabling them to enhance safety and make faster and smarter decisions. 

Joe Carr, director of mining innovation at Inmarsat, commented: "The Global Mining Guidelines Group is another great example of collaboration across the mining industry and their work highlights the importance of key stakeholders in different regions joining forces. Our membership of GMG is another step in our deeper engagement with the industry and offers the GMG a different dimension in their mission to broaden the use of innovative technology and improve safety across the sector. In particular, joining GMG at the top ‘leadership' level enables us to widen the sector's exposure to new skills and technologies, such as our tailings dam solution, helping make the industry safer and more efficient."

Heather Ednie, managing director at GMG, added: "The mining sector is in an age of rapid transformation, and technological innovation is crucial for ensuring its longevity and ability to overcome a number of different and ongoing challenges. With their global portfolio of satellite networks, Inmarsat's membership and continued commitment to the sector expands the possibilities for global innovation and improving safety across the mining supply chain. We are excited to welcome them to the GMG and look forward to working with them to achieve an innovative, productive, safe and sustainable future for mining."