How a Perth IT company delivered end-to-end IT solutions across a rapidly growing mining services group with operations spanning Western Australia’s Goldfields and beyond.

Overview

Australia’s mining sector is one of the most dynamic and demanding industries in the world. Companies operating in this space face unique challenges that extend well beyond the drill site. With workforces of 300 or more staff spread across remote locations, regional headquarters, and metropolitan satellite offices, the need for reliable, secure, and scalable IT infrastructure is critical. Add to that the complexity of managing multiple business entities under a single corporate umbrella, from drilling operations and earthworks through to vehicle hire and accommodation services, and you have an IT environment that demands specialist expertise.

In Western Australia’s Goldfields region, where this client is headquartered, the tyranny of distance amplifies every technology challenge. Connectivity in remote areas is unreliable at best, cybersecurity threats do not discriminate between city offices and bush camps, and the expectation of real-time data, communication, and operational reporting means downtime is simply not an option. For growing organisations in this sector, having a trusted IT partner that understands both the technical landscape and the operational reality of regional Australia is not a luxury. It is a necessity.

This case study outlines how Qbit IT Solutions, a Perth IT company specialising in managed IT support Perth businesses and regional organisations rely on, partnered with a major privately owned mining exploration group to deliver a comprehensive program of IT projects spanning multiple years and multiple entities.

Client name available on request.

The Challenge

When Qbit IT Solutions first engaged with this client, the group’s IT environment was characterised by rapid growth that had outpaced its technology infrastructure. What had started as a single drilling company had expanded into a multi-entity group encompassing drilling operations, earthworks and logistics, a vehicle hire division, remote camp solutions, and a regional caravan park and accommodation business in Kalgoorlie.

The IT challenges were significant and multi-layered:

Server and data infrastructure at capacity: The group’s primary file server was on-premises and ageing, with complex permissions issues on shared drives that were causing access problems and productivity losses for office-based staff. Data migration to a hosted environment was overdue.
Remote connectivity gaps: With over 30 active drill rigs operating across Australia, field crews in remote and often hostile environments had limited or no reliable internet connectivity. This hampered real-time reporting, safety communication, and operational efficiency.
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities: Inconsistent deployment of multi-factor authentication (MFA), no formal cybersecurity training program, lack of endpoint privilege management, and an inconsistent Microsoft 365 licensing structure left the organisation exposed. Some users had advanced threat protection while others did not, creating compliance risks.
Accommodation facility underserviced: The group’s caravan park property in Kalgoorlie, which provides accommodation for tourists, workers, and families visiting the Goldfields, had minimal IT infrastructure. There was no WiFi coverage for guests or smart lock systems, no CCTV security, no managed phone system, and no structured IT support arrangement.
Scaling pains: As the group added staff, rigs, entities, and locations, the lack of a cohesive IT strategy meant that every new addition compounded existing problems rather than building on a solid foundation.

Quantifying the Business Objectives

Before diving into solutions, Qbit worked closely with the client’s leadership team to understand their business priorities and translate them into measurable IT objectives. The goals were clear:

Centralise IT visibility across all entities within the group, creating a single pane of glass for monitoring, management, and reporting.
Migrate critical data infrastructure from ageing on-premises servers to a secure hosted environment, eliminating single points of failure and improving access for distributed teams.
Solve the remote connectivity problem by researching, developing, and deploying a portable satellite internet solution that could be deployed on drill rigs and at remote camp sites anywhere in Australia.
Uplift cybersecurity posture across the group by standardising MFA deployment, implementing security awareness training and phishing simulations, reviewing and consolidating Microsoft 365 licensing, and establishing a clear cybersecurity framework aligned with industry best practice.
Deliver a full IT build-out for the accommodation facility, including enterprise-grade WiFi coverage across the entire property, a CCTV security system, smart door lock integration, a managed phone system, and an ongoing IT support arrangement.
Establish a structured IT management framework including quarterly IT management plans, hardware lifecycle reporting, and a clear technology roadmap for the group.
Support the group’s office relocation with full IT setup including network infrastructure, cabling, hardware supply, monitor mounting, printer deployment, and videoconferencing systems.

Solutions Implemented

Qbit IT Solutions delivered a broad program of work across the group over several years, with projects ranging from strategic consulting and security uplift through to hands-on field deployments in some of Western Australia’s most remote locations.

Server Migration and Data Infrastructure

One of the first major projects was the migration of the group’s primary file server (the “S: drive”) from an on-premises server in Kalgoorlie to a Qbit-hosted environment. This involved:

Synchronising and migrating approximately 12,000 files and 3,000 folders while maintaining complex NTFS permissions.
Coordinating with the client’s existing local IT provider in Kalgoorlie to manage the cutover with minimal disruption.
Ensuring embedded file paths in linked spreadsheets and documents continued to function correctly post-migration.
Decommissioning the legacy local server following successful migration.
Deploying a DUO MFA server to secure VPN access to the hosted environment.
Implementing Veeam backup and replication for hosted server backups with both onsite and offsite redundancy.

The project required careful planning and after-hours execution to ensure the group’s 100-plus computer users experienced minimal downtime during the transition.

Mobile Starlink R&D Project

Perhaps the most innovative project in the engagement was the research and development of a portable, ruggedised Starlink satellite internet solution designed specifically for deployment on drill rigs operating in remote Australia. Qbit worked directly with the client’s operations, maintenance, and data teams to:

Design and build a weatherproof, portable connectivity box housing a Starlink terminal, Teltonika industrial router, and wireless access point.
Engineer the unit to run on 12V/24V DC power, enabling it to draw power directly from drill rigs, light vehicles, or camp power supplies without the need for an inverter.
Include appropriate circuit breakers and safety features to meet mine site compliance requirements.
Test and refine the solution through multiple iterations based on field feedback regarding heat, vibration, dust, and moisture exposure.

Today, the client operates over 70 Starlink devices across their fleet, providing reliable internet connectivity to field crews that previously had none. This connectivity supports real-time safety reporting, production data capture through the client’s proprietary digital platform, and welfare communication for workers in isolated locations.

Caravan Park: Full IT Build-Out

The group’s caravan park and accommodation facility in Kalgoorlie presented a greenfield opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of Qbit’s IT services Perth businesses can access. Starting from virtually no IT infrastructure, Qbit delivered:

Enterprise WiFi deployment: A full site survey and WiFi design was completed, followed by the installation of UniFi access points (including AC Mesh Pro and AC HD units) to provide both 2.4GHz and 5GHz coverage across the entire property, including accommodation blocks, common areas, and rear expansion areas.
CCTV security system: Qbit designed camera coverage plans for the property and coordinated the installation of a Dahua CCTV system with a dedicated NVR and monitoring station at reception. Cabling was handled through a specialist subcontractor, with Qbit managing the project end-to-end.
Smart door lock integration: A dedicated hidden WiFi network was established specifically for the property’s smart door lock system, enabling reception staff to manage keyless entry across all rooms remotely.
Managed phone system: A SIP trunk and managed desk phone were deployed, integrated with the property’s NBN connection and managed under a Qbit phone agreement.
Client onboarding: In late 2024, the caravan park was formally onboarded as a standalone Qbit client with its own Microsoft 365 tenancy. This included migrating data from a previous provider, deploying Datto RMM agents, configuring Microsoft Defender endpoint protection, setting up DKIM/DMARC email authentication, implementing LastPass password management, configuring dark web monitoring, and rolling out cybersecurity awareness training.
Ongoing rear area expansion: As the property expanded with new accommodation blocks, Qbit provided updated WiFi coverage designs and camera coverage plans for the rear area, ensuring the technology infrastructure kept pace with the physical development.

Microsoft 365 License Review and Security Uplift

Qbit conducted a comprehensive Microsoft 365 license audit across the main drilling entity, identifying significant inconsistencies and compliance gaps. The review covered:

Licensing consolidation recommendations to move from a fragmented mix of Business Basic, Standard, and individual add-ons to a standardised Business Premium licensing model.
Conditional access policy implementation to enforce security controls based on user location, device compliance, and risk level.
GeoBlocking recommendations to restrict sign-ins from high-risk geographic regions.
Endpoint protection standardisation through Microsoft Defender for Office 365.
SharePoint and OneDrive security hardening, including disabling “Anyone” sharing links, setting default permissions to “View,” and implementing expiry policies for externally shared content.
SPF record optimisation to resolve email delivery issues caused by excessive DNS lookups.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policy implementation recommendations aligned with Australian Privacy Act requirements.

SharePoint Consultation and Build

To address the group’s growing need for modern document management, Qbit provided SharePoint consultation and build services. This included:

Scoping workshops to understand the group’s document management needs across drilling mobilisation, demobilisation, and execution phases.
Building a SharePoint site structure for the overarching group entity with sub-structures for each business unit, including the drilling company, camps division, vehicle hire business, and earthworks company.
Designing permission models to support four distinct access tiers: client-facing documents, rig crew resources, administrative staff files, and management/HR confidential materials.
Providing SharePoint demonstrations and governance recommendations to drive internal adoption.

Office Relocation and Setup

When the client relocated their Perth office, Qbit managed the full IT component of the move:

Network cabling and infrastructure setup at the new premises.
Supply and installation of monitors, including large-format 75″ displays for boardrooms and common areas.
TV mounting and AV equipment configuration for videoconferencing systems.
Printer deployment and server integration, including Kyocera multifunction devices with booklet-making capabilities.
Coordination of equipment collection from the old office across multiple trips.

The project was delivered under budget, with the quoted amount of $19,050 invoiced at $17,000, and several additional out-of-scope tasks completed at no extra charge, enabling staff to begin working in the new office a week earlier than planned.

Email Signature Standardisation

Qbit deployed Exclaimer across the group to standardise email signatures, including:

Setting up Active Directory integration to dynamically populate user details such as name, title, phone numbers, and LinkedIn profiles.
Creating multiple signature templates to accommodate specific qualifications such as Mental Health First Aider certification.
Assigning users to appropriate signature groups based on their qualifications and roles.

Cybersecurity Training and Awareness

Qbit implemented a formal cybersecurity awareness program including:

Regular video-based security awareness training modules for all Microsoft 365 users.
Phishing simulation campaigns to test and improve staff resilience against social engineering attacks.
Dark web monitoring to detect compromised credentials.
DUO multi-factor authentication deployment across 66 registered users.

Results and Impact

The cumulative impact of these projects on the group and its staff has been substantial:

Dramatically improved remote connectivity: With over 70 Starlink-equipped rigs and vehicles in the field, crews that were previously disconnected now have reliable internet access for safety reporting, production data, and personal welfare. This has contributed directly to operational efficiency and safety outcomes.
Enhanced security posture: Standardised MFA, endpoint protection, security awareness training, and ongoing dark web monitoring have significantly reduced the group’s cyber risk profile. The Microsoft 365 license review alone identified multiple compliance gaps that have since been addressed.
Modernised accommodation facility: The caravan park has been transformed from a property with minimal IT infrastructure to a modern, connected facility with enterprise WiFi, CCTV security, smart access control, and fully managed IT services. This supports both the guest experience and operational efficiency for staff.
Reduced downtime and improved productivity: The hosted server migration eliminated aging hardware risks, the SharePoint build reduced reliance on fragile file share permissions, and the office relocation was delivered ahead of schedule.
Staff empowerment: Employees across the group now have access to standardised tools, consistent security protections, and reliable connectivity regardless of whether they are in the Kalgoorlie head office, the Perth satellite office, or on a drill rig in a remote corner of Western Australia.
Cost transparency: Quarterly IT management plans provide the group’s leadership with clear visibility of their technology health, upcoming contract renewals, hardware lifecycle status, and recommended improvements, enabling informed budgeting and planning.

Future Roadmap

Qbit IT Solutions continues to work closely with the group on a forward-looking technology roadmap designed to support continued growth and maturity. Key initiatives on the horizon include:

Microsoft 365 Business Premium uplift: The recommended upgrade from Business Standard to Business Premium licensing would unlock advanced security features including Conditional Access policies, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Intune for device management, and Microsoft Purview for data loss prevention.
Windows 11 migration: With Windows 10 reaching end of life in October 2025, Qbit has been working with the group to assess device readiness and plan a staged migration to Windows 11, including hardware replacement where devices do not meet minimum requirements.
Endpoint privilege management: Implementation of tools such as ThreatLocker or Microsoft Endpoint Privilege Management to remove local administrator rights from user devices without disrupting workflows, significantly reducing the attack surface.
Expanded SharePoint adoption: Building on the initial SharePoint deployment, broader adoption across the group to replace legacy file server dependencies and enable more efficient document collaboration.
Starlink fleet management: Continued refinement of the portable connectivity solution, including integration with the group’s centralised monitoring and potential expansion to additional entities within the corporate umbrella.

Partner With Qbit IT Solutions

Whether you are a mining company with rigs spread across remote Australia, a regional business looking for reliable managed IT support Perth professionals deliver, or a growing group navigating the complexity of multi-entity IT management, Qbit IT Solutions has the experience, capability, and local knowledge to help. Based in West Perth with operations across Western Australia, we specialise in IT solutions for businesses that need technology to work as hard as they do. From small business IT solutions and cyber security services Perth organisations trust, to large-scale infrastructure projects in the most remote corners of the country, we have done it before and we would love to do it for you. Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can support your business. Call us on 08 6364 0600, email techsupport@qbit.com.au, or visit www.qbit.com.au.

Transforming IT Infrastructure for a Leading Australian Mining Services & Exploration Group