Experts in communication systems for underground coal and hard rock mines, Ya Batho’s locally developed and manufactured communication products offer both a high level of functionality and an affordable cost of ownership.

Active in the market since 2010, Ya Batho grew quickly from its focus on fibre optics installation and has become a provider of direct contracting services to major players in the mining industry.

Through its commitment to reliable and quality workmanship, it has grown its business to encompass turnkey solutions in the layout and design of communication systems. Ya Batho also supplies fibre optic infrastructure, leaky feeder communication systems, medium frequency radios and Wi-Fi infrastructure and accessories. It also maintains and services the equipment it supplies.

The operation specialises in installing and splicing new fibre optic cables and repairing existing cables, testing their splicing integrity and issuing certificates verifying this splicing integrity, whether on surface or underground.

It offers the Trinity range of leaky feeder products, designed to improve the quality and functionality of underground communications. For all medium frequency communication requirements, Ya Batho has the Kutta range of products. These medium frequency radios work with existing mine infrastructure (such as power cables, wire core lifelines, phone lines and conveyor structures) to transmit voice and tracking data to surface.

To meet mines’ WiFi requirements, the company uses the MCOTECH range of products underground and on surface, including wireless access point networks, intrinsically safe Android tablets for use in fiery mines and VoIP wireless handsets. It also offers various fit-for-purpose fire suppression products to address fire hazards that could jeopardise the functionality of the communication system.

Ya Batho is a Level 4 BBBEE compliant company, supplying and supporting South African manufactured products. Its current customer base spans the Witwatersrand goldfields area and the eastern and western limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex.