IT for mining
operations.
Mining operations in BC, Alberta, and Yukon face IT challenges that no city-based MSP is built to solve: isolated sites hours from the nearest service centre, OT systems running equipment that cannot go offline, safety-critical communications infrastructure, and compliance documentation requirements that cover everything from incident reporting to access control logs. North Star is based in Prince George, with operational knowledge of northern BC and Yukon remote site realities. We build and manage the IT and connectivity infrastructure that keeps mining operations running, safe, and documented.
The IT problems this sector runs into.
These come up in almost every conversation we have with mining operators. They're solvable.
Site connectivity at remote mine locations.
Many mine sites operate beyond fixed-line or reliable LTE coverage. Satellite connectivity, microwave links, and private LTE networks are the options, and choosing and managing the right combination for your site's terrain and traffic requirements is not trivial.
OT/IT segmentation and operational risk.
Mining environments run SCADA systems, PLCs, and industrial control systems that were not designed with cybersecurity in mind. Connecting them to corporate networks or the internet without proper segmentation creates risk that can result in physical harm, not just data loss.
Safety-critical communications and redundancy.
Evacuation communications, emergency notification systems, and two-way radio integration all depend on network infrastructure. When that infrastructure fails, the consequences go beyond productivity. Redundancy is not optional in mining.
Compliance documentation and audit trails.
Regulators, insurers, and joint-venture partners expect documented IT controls, access logs, and incident records. Cobbled-together IT environments that grew organically over years rarely have the documentation an audit requires.
What North Star delivers for mining.
Practical IT services built around how mining operations actually work.
Remote site connectivity and redundancy.
Starlink, microwave links, and private LTE network configurations for mine sites. Redundant paths with automatic failover so that a single link failure does not take down site communications. We scope, install, and manage.
Managed Network →OT/IT network segmentation.
FortiGate firewalls and managed VLAN configurations to segment SCADA and industrial control systems from corporate IT networks. We define the architecture, implement the controls, and document the separation in a format your insurer and regulator will accept.
Cybersecurity →Safety communications infrastructure.
Network infrastructure design and management for safety-critical communications systems, including redundant paths for emergency notifications, integration with two-way radio systems, and failover testing that actually happens on a schedule.
Managed IT →Equipment telemetry and monitoring.
Configuration and support for equipment telemetry systems, including the network infrastructure that carries telemetry data from equipment to operations centres. When data stops flowing, we know before you do.
Managed IT →IT compliance documentation.
Access control documentation, audit logging, and IT policy frameworks written to the standard that BC regulators and cyber insurers expect from resource sector companies. We turn your current environment into a documented, auditable one.
Compliance →Tools and platforms we use in this sector.
The technology stack we deploy and manage for mining clients.
Starlink / Private LTE
Satellite and private cellular connectivity for remote mine sites without fixed-line options.
FortiGate
Enterprise firewall for OT/IT segmentation and perimeter security at mine site networks.
Microsoft 365
Corporate productivity, document management, and Teams for site-to-office communications.
Veeam
Backup and disaster recovery for operational data, compliance records, and corporate systems.
SolarWinds / PRTG
Network monitoring and alerting for mine site infrastructure with proactive fault detection.
Common questions from mining operators.
Can you provide IT support for a remote mine site in northern BC or Yukon?
Yes. This is one of our core competencies. We are based in Prince George and have experience with the geographic and operational realities of northern BC and Yukon mine sites. Remote support is the default, with on-site visits available for initial deployments or complex issues.
How do you handle OT/IT segmentation without disrupting operations?
We design the segmentation architecture with your operations team before touching anything, document every existing connection, and implement changes during scheduled maintenance windows. OT systems are treated as critical infrastructure that requires a different change management approach than office IT.
What connectivity options are available for a mine site with no cell service?
The primary options are Starlink Business (best coverage, fastest deployment), microwave point-to-point links (good for permanent sites with line-of-sight), and private LTE networks (good for large sites needing mobility). We assess your specific site and recommend the right combination based on traffic requirements, terrain, and budget.
Can you help us prepare IT documentation for a regulatory audit or insurance renewal?
Yes. We review your current environment, identify documentation gaps, and produce access control logs, network diagrams, IT policy documents, and incident response plans in the format your auditor or insurer expects. We also help implement the controls you need if they're not in place yet.
Do you support joint venture or multi-operator mine sites?
Yes. Multi-operator environments have additional complexity around network access, data segregation, and shared infrastructure management. We have experience designing and documenting IT environments where multiple companies share physical infrastructure while maintaining appropriate data separation.
Let's talk about your site's IT and connectivity needs.
Book a 30-minute scoping call. We'll review your environment with your sector's compliance, connectivity, and uptime requirements in mind. No pressure.
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