News

First Quantum Minerals connects global mining locations using Level 3 network

Posted on 26 Jun 2014

Level 3 Communication’s solutions enable sharing of critical data, streamline back-office systems and provide reliable communications to remote sites across Africa. Level 3 Communications is now providing First Quantum Minerals Ltd (FQML) with a global network that is enabling cost-effective and reliable communications for its key mining sites across the world.

FQML operates in remote locations around the world, where reliable communications are either limited or non-existent. In 2011, the company contracted with Level 3 to consolidate a number of its legacy communication providers globally, using Level 3’s Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network, linking offices and data centres in Europe, North America and Canada to operations in remotes parts of Finland and Perth (Australia).

Today, through a combination of the latest fixed-line and satellite technology, and an extensive partner network in region, Level 3 is connecting its global MPLS to FQML’s mines in remote areas of Africa and South America. This robust network supports the use of data-intensive applications and provides on-site staff with critical business applications, as well as high-bandwidth Internet connectivity.

Ben Rodgers, Global Network Manager, FQML said: “The Level 3 network supports our continued investment in communications technology, enabling our employees, regardless of their location, to communicate and collaborate effectively. By using Level 3 to deliver communication services to our often remote sites across the world, we have been able to achieve efficiency gains and significant cost savings.”

Tim Passingham, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Business, EMEA at Level 3, said: “By selecting the Level 3 network, FQML can share critical data within a secure, reliable and scalable infrastructure, providing the company with the flexibility to cost-effectively grow its global operations. The services Level 3 is providing to FQML highlight the continued expansion of our network in the region.”

Level 3 Communications provides local, national and global communications services to enterprise, government and carrier customers. Level 3’s comprehensive portfolio of secure, managed solutions includes fibre and infrastructure solutions; IP-based voice and data communications; wide-area Ethernet services; video and content distribution; data centre and cloud-based solutions.