See Further - Plan Smarter - Achieve More

Context / Challenge

The Simandou iron ore project required a greenfield communications network to support the mine exploration and aviation operations in a remote West African setting. Before infrastructure could be implemented, Rio Tinto needed a clear front-end design framework to guide technical, commercial, and procurement decisions.

Role / Responsibility

While engaged as Lead Communications Engineer through a prior consultancy, Mike Ryan delivered the front-end engineering design (FEED) and technical strategy for the project’s communications systems.

Actions / Approach

Conducted detailed requirement gathering, including on-site inspections and stakeholder surveys.

Produced high-level and detailed front-end designs for digital VHF and TETRA radio systems.

Developed procurement documentation and specifications to support supplier engagement and tendering.

Results / Impact

Delivered a comprehensive front-end design package that gave Rio Tinto confidence in system feasibility, scope, and cost.

Established a procurement-ready framework, enabling smooth transition into tendering and implementation.

Set the foundation for a scalable communications network to supporting exploration and mining operations.

Context / Challenge

Major energy and mining companies required independent technical assurance to validate the design, implementation, and reliability of complex communication systems critical to their safety and operational efficiency.

Role / Responsibility

In his role as Principal Engineer (RPEQ) during prior industry engagements, Mike Ryan provided technical assurance services across multiple large infrastructure projects, including:

Operational Control Room Migration – new data network to support advanced energy management systems.

Energy Utility – MPLS network for teleprotection services.

Mining Operator – Digital radio systems across multiple sites.

Actions / Approach

Conducted detailed design reviews to identify risks, compliance gaps, and optimisation opportunities.

Developed and validated high-level designs aligned with operational, regulatory, and safety requirements.

Facilitated formal risk assessments, ensuring design decisions accounted for safety, resilience, and business continuity.

Results / Impact

Delivered independent assurance that systems were safe, reliable, and fit-for-purpose.

Reduced technical and operational risk for mission-critical infrastructure.

Provided clients with confidence to proceed with procurement and implementation, underpinned by assured designs.

Context / Challenge

Rio Tinto Aluminium required an integrated communications network to support mining, port, and marine operations across the Amrun and Weipa Project. The project was in a challenging and remote environment and required a resilient and adaptable solution to meet operational, safety, and stakeholder needs.

Role / Responsibility

Mike Ryan, in his capacity as Lead System Integration Engineer during earlier project engagements, provided design assurance, managed design teams, and coordinated multiple stakeholders throughout the planning and delivery of the communications systems.

Actions / Approach

Led design assurance and directed design teams to deliver TETRA, fibre, microwave, CCTV, marine radio, tower infrastructure, communication shelters, and power systems.

Managed coordination between engineering teams, ensuring integration across diverse technologies while maintaining safety, reliability, and compliance requirements.

Facilitated collaboration with Rio Tinto Aluminium, contractors, and vendors to resolve technical conflicts and maintain project alignment.

Results / Impact

Successfully managed a resilient and integrated communications solution to enable safe and efficient operations across mine, port, and marine domains.

Improved operational coordination and safety outcomes in a geographically remote and technically complex environment.

Strengthened delivery outcomes through proactive leadership of design teams, effective stakeholder engagement, and assurance-led project governance.

Context / Challenge

The Simandou Project in Guinea required a mission-critical rail communications system to connect the mine with the port and administration centre in Conakry. The network had to support rail signalling, operational voice communication, and personnel safety over a long and remote corridor. In addition to connectivity, a robust security concept was required to safeguard the rail operations against disruption and ensure resilience.

Role / Responsibility

During his time as Lead Telecommunications Engineer with prior consultancies, Mike Ryan developed secure and resilient communications frameworks for the Simandou Rail Project. This included designing rail operations communications, integrating systems for safety and control, and ensuring long-term reliability in remote conditions.

Actions / Approach

Designed the rail bearer network, with optical fibre as the primary path and microwave radio as the secondary path to ensure reliable connectivity between the mine, port, and admin centre.

Produced the HLD for the voice mobile radio system based on TETRA technology, incorporating communication towers, Remote power systems and secure communication shelters.

Developed a security concept for rail communications, incorporating infrastructure protection, operational resilience, and continuity strategies.

Results / Impact

Delivered a secure and resilient communications framework for rail operations across a geographically remote and challenging corridor.

Established the design for a redundant and scalable bearer network that reduced operational risk and ensured service continuity.

Provided the client with a future-proof design that embedded security and reliability from the outset.