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S4GA - Helipad and Airport Lighting Company
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NEWS

May 27 2024

3 Reasons For Mining Airstrips To Have S4GA Solar System

There are mining companies that regularly require transportation for personnel to and from their sites using local airstrips. These operations may need to be carried out at night or in severe weather conditions. And there we get often overlooked but so critical, which is the lighting infrastructure for remote mining airstrips.

In response to this need, S4GA offers comprehensive Solar Aerodrome Lighting designed to work permanently, even in extreme weather conditions. It’s a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for regional, remote, and off-grid airports, where renewable energy options are gaining traction due to energy usage, cost, and reliability concerns.

S4GA Solar Aerodrome Lighting installed at mining site airstrip
S4GA Solar Aerodrome Lighting installed at mining site airstrip

Solar Solutions for Mining Companies

Mining sites in Africa, Australia, and Canada have already implemented S4GA Solar Airfield Lighting. And which has been adapted to comply with different weather conditions and regulations in each country. Explore more case studies on our website.

Traditional runway lighting that relies on the 6.6 Amp electrical system is often considered standard. However, it can be costly for off-grid airports and requires regular professional maintenance. It can also be difficult to deploy in remote locations. In contrast, S4GA’s complete solar runway lighting is simple, safe, reliable, and meets international aviation regulations. It consists of lighting units and a control system, connected via a wireless mesh network. This eliminates the need for cables or electrical infrastructure.

Most of the major mining companies operate in Canada with the majority also having northern or remote locations. These operations that have airports require dependable Navigational Aids to land their charter crew flights. The ongoing cost to these Companies to having flights return to origin and not land is astronomical to the company. To help with this it is essential that the mine sites have reliable nav Aids that include the runway Lighting System. Most of these systems are conventional 6.6amp systems that do provide reliable operation but as they age and also with other external circumstances, these systems can be vulnerable to outage. – Stephen Leadbetter, Approach Navigation Systems (ANS).

So, why do S4GA solar runway lighting solutions emerge as the preferred choice for mining companies? Here are three key reasons:

1. Reliability in Remote Locations

Mining sites are often located in remote areas with limited access to reliable electricity. S4GA solar lighting system is grid-independent and runs on solar energy 365 days a year. No cables or other electrical infrastructure is required. Every lighting unit is powered by two built-in batteries and energized by an individual solar panel.

2. Cost-Efficiency and Sustainability

S4GA solar systems offer considerable long-term savings. Solar lighting requires minimal operational costs once installed compared to conventional lighting systems. There are no ongoing fuel procurement or grid electricity expenses, resulting in substantial savings over the system’s lifespan.

Furthermore, the use of solar lighting can help mining companies meet sustainability goals and reduce their environmental footprint. S4GA lights use less energy than traditional lighting sources. This helps to cut greenhouse gas emissions and minimize the impact of mining operations on the environment.

S4GA solar-powered LED PAPI System installed at mining site
S4GA solar-powered LED PAPI System installed at mining site

3. Easy Installation and Maintenance

S4GA solar lighting systems are designed to be easily installed and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for non-aviation professionals managing mining sites. Maintenance involves only cleaning the panels and replacing batteries every 4-5 years.

Our solar-powered runway lighting system to be installed easily by eliminating underground cables. And in case some part of the lighting system is broken, it has a 99% resolution rate by in-house technicians. This saves on labour costs and ensures efficient operation with minimal downtime.

Since the latest onset of reliable Solar and battery powered systems, we now have a new weapon in our arsenal to offer mines that can give them all the safety barriers that they require. Whether it is a reliable permanent Solar lighting system for the Airport or a backup portable trailer solution that stands ready if there is an outage or failure, Solar and Battery powered Lighting solutions are proven to be reliable and available to solve the problems and ultimately save the company money. – Stephen Leadbetter, Approach Navigation Systems (ANS).

An additional benefit offered is S4GA’s Individual Light Status Monitoring. This allows engineers to quickly identify the problem area. To fix the issue, they just need to remove the affected light from the runway, address the problem, and put it back in place without affecting the other lights on the runway.

This lighting system can also be easily relocated if needed, resulting in improved project economics and reduced site risks.

For mining companies focused on keeping their air operations running smoothly, S4GA Solar Aerodrome Lighting is an ideal solution. It is reliable in remote locations, cost-effective, easy to install and maintain and has lower carbon emissions.

Contact S4GA