Starlink in Mining: Real-Time GPS and Video for 500+ Vehicles
In the vastness of Argentina's Puna highlands—at over 4,000 meters elevation, where cellular signal is a distant memory—operates one of Latin America's most connected mining fleets. TrailingSat, a Rinho Telematics Elite Partner, achieved what many considered impossible: real-time monitoring of 500+ vehicles in areas where no mobile carrier reaches.
The Challenge: Connectivity in Extreme Zones
Mining in Northwestern Argentina (NOA)—Salta, Catamarca, Jujuy—faces a challenge that no software alone can solve: complete lack of cellular coverage.
Lithium, copper, and gold deposits are located in areas where:
- ❌ No 4G, 3G, or 2G signal
- ❌ Extreme temperatures (-20°C to +40°C) destroy conventional equipment
- ❌ High altitude affects electronic component performance
- ❌ Unpaved roads without signage
For TrailingSat S.A., a Tucumán-based company specializing in mining fleet management, this meant a critical limitation: how to ensure driver safety 200 km from any rescue point?
The Solution: Rinho GPS + WiFi + Starlink on Every Vehicle
The answer came from combining Rinho hardware with integrated WiFi connected to Starlink antennas installed on each vehicle. A revolutionary architecture that brings satellite internet where no one else reaches:
Technology Stack Implemented
| Component | Function | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Spider IoT | CAN telemetry + 1-Wire + driver sessions | Heavy vehicles |
| Zero IoT | Basic coverage without CAN, maximum durability | Light vehicles |
| Smart IoT | BLE sensor and accessory integration | Special units |
| Starlink + Rinho WiFi | Starlink antenna on each vehicle + device WiFi connection | All |
💡 Technical key: Each vehicle has its own Starlink antenna. Rinho devices connect via WiFi to the vehicle's Starlink router, achieving real-time transmission from any point in the Puna.
How It Works
- Starlink on the vehicle: Each unit has an installed Starlink antenna providing satellite internet
- WiFi connection: The Rinho device automatically connects to the vehicle's Starlink router
- Continuous transmission: Position, CAN Bus, and sensor data travel in real-time to the server
- Smart backup: If satellite connection is momentarily lost, the black box stores and resends
Key Features in Operation
Speed Control by Regions
TrailingSat implemented a geographic regions system to define differentiated speed limits:
- Active mine zone: Max 20 km/h
- Internal roads: Max 40 km/h
- Main route: Max 60 km/h
When a vehicle exceeds the limit, an instant alert is generated at the 24/7 Control Tower that TrailingSat operates from Tucumán.
Driver Identification
With session readers integrated into Spider IoT, each driver must identify themselves before starting. This enables:
- 📊 Individual driving reports
- ⏱️ Driving hours control (fatigue)
- 🔐 Assigned responsibility for incidents
CAN Bus Telemetry
On heavy trucks, Spider IoT reads CAN data directly from the vehicle:
- Engine RPM
- Instant fuel consumption
- Engine temperature
- Fault codes (DTC)
This feeds the fuel reports that TrailingSat generates for their mining clients, detecting deviations and optimizing routes.
Results: Total Safety and Visibility
After implementing the Rinho + WiFi + Starlink solution, TrailingSat achieved:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Connected vehicles | 500+ units |
| Real-time coverage | 98% of operational time |
| Average sync time | < 5 minutes when entering WiFi zone |
| Road incident reduction | Significant (confidential data) |
| Driver contact | Immediate via communication system |
"Now we have real-time everywhere. Instant contact and safety with the driver." — Eduardo Escalera, CEO of TrailingSat S.A.
Presence in the Mining Ecosystem
TrailingSat doesn't just implement technology: they're a key player in Argentina's mining sector. Their presence at strategic events validates their expertise:
- 🏆 LITHIUM Sponsor at Salta Mining Summit 2025
- 🎯 Participation at Expo Catamarca 2025
- 🌎 Expansion to Chile (connection with Atacama Sostenible)
- 🏛️ Municipal projects (fleet tracking in Tinogasta)
This trajectory allows them to understand real mining needs and adapt Rinho technology to each operation.
Complementary Technology: Cameras and Anti-Fatigue System
Beyond GPS hardware, TrailingSat integrates ADAS/DMS (Driver Monitoring System) systems with cameras that also transmit via Starlink:
- 📹 Real-time video from cabin (thanks to Starlink bandwidth)
- 😴 Drowsiness detection
- 📱 Distraction alerts (cell phone use)
- ❤️ Vital signs monitoring
- 💾 Continuous recording with cloud evidence
This complements Rinho telematics, creating a 24/7 digital copilot that protects drivers' lives in extreme conditions. TrailingSat's Control Tower can see live what's happening in each vehicle, no matter how remote the location.
Why Rinho for Mining?
TrailingSat's choice of Rinho hardware was based on critical factors:
- Extreme resistance: Temperature range -40°C to +85°C
- Integrated WiFi: No external modules needed
- High-capacity black box: Thousands of positions stored
- Native CAN Bus: No additional adapters
- Local technical support: Documentation in Spanish, team in Argentina
📖 For detailed technical specifications, visit our official documentation.
About TrailingSat
TrailingSat S.A. is a Tucumán-based company founded by Eduardo Escalera (President) alongside Marcela Arroyo (Vice President), specializing in fleet management for mining, agriculture, and transportation. They're part of Rinho Telematics' Elite Partners program.
Specialties:
- 🏔️ Mining (entire NOA region)
- 🌾 Agriculture (farm machinery)
- ⛽ Fuel control
- 📹 Cameras and video telematics
- 🚗 ADAS/DMS systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use GPS in mining without cellular signal?
Yes. By combining GPS devices with integrated WiFi (like Spider IoT or Zero IoT) connected to Starlink antennas installed on each vehicle, it's possible to transmit telematics data in real-time from any area without cellular coverage. This architecture eliminates dependence on mobile networks.
How much does Starlink cost for mining fleets?
Starlink offers commercial plans starting at approximately USD 100-150/month per antenna, plus the initial hardware cost (~USD 500-2500 depending on model). For large fleets like TrailingSat's (500+ vehicles), the per-unit cost is well justified by the operational visibility, safety, and fuel savings it provides.
Does Starlink work while moving?
Yes. Starlink Flat High Performance antennas are designed for vehicular use and work while the vehicle is in motion, maintaining stable connection even on rough terrain typical of mining operations.
What latency does telematics via Starlink have?
Starlink offers typical latencies of 20-40ms, sufficient for real-time video streaming and instant ADAS/DMS alerts. This is comparable to a good quality 4G connection.
Can you watch cameras in real-time via Starlink?
Yes. With Starlink's bandwidth (50-200 Mbps typical), it's possible to stream video from multiple ADAS/DMS cameras simultaneously. TrailingSat monitors live video from hundreds of vehicles from their Control Tower in Tucumán.
Conclusion
The TrailingSat case demonstrates that lack of cellular coverage is no longer a barrier for professional telematics. With the right combination of Rinho hardware, WiFi connectivity, and satellite networks like Starlink, it's possible to monitor fleets in the most remote places on the planet.
If you operate in areas without signal and need total fleet visibility, contact us or consult directly with TrailingSat.
Related Resources
Products mentioned:
- Spider IoT - Advanced telemetry with CAN Bus
- Zero IoT - Maximum coverage, minimum complexity
- Smart IoT - Sensor integration
Features:
Vertical solution:
Want to know more success stories? Visit our blog or contact us for a personalized demo.