The mine of the future gets connected

Imagine… Rock bolts in a mine that detect movement and warn workers. Drill rigs that work in total autonomous sync with one another. Systems that tell workers what’s approaching around the corner, so they can avoid collisions. Welcome to the mine of the future—being realized today by a unique partnership of Ericsson and mining equipment provider Epiroc.

Mining companies worldwide are racing to boost productivity, cut costs and improve safety. At the same time, they're under pressure to reduce their environmental impact. The solution? Automation and digitalization, enabled by robust, reliable cellular networks.

The full potential of these innovations is often constrained by the limitations of existing communication infrastructure. That’s changing, thanks to the partnership between Ericsson and Epiroc, a frontrunner in mining equipment and solutions.

Since 2016, this collaboration has focused on simplifying the use of private cellular technologies for wireless telematics data, digitalization and automation in mines. By standardizing site automation and connectivity, mining products, services and solutions are becoming safer, smarter and more efficient.

Epiroc and Ericsson, both veterans in the mining industry, understand of the industry’s key communications needs. Their expertise, in turn, drives the development of advanced solutions for next-generation mining.

Why cellular shines in mining environments

Mines are complicated structures, with extensive tunnels twisting and turning for hundreds of kilometers underground or vast surfaces covered in roads. Modern mining demands a high level of connectivity due to its challenging and unforgiving environment. With both human lives and business goals at stake, mining operations require connectivity that:

• remains continuously available  
• provides high bandwidth and low latency for automated and semi-automated machines
• ensures multi-layer security

Private cellular networks, especially those using 4G LTE or 5G technology, deliver significant advantages over traditional communication methods like Wi-Fi in the demanding environment of a mine.

These networks offer superior coverage and capacity, ensuring reliable connectivity in extensive underground tunnels or large open-pit operations.

The high bandwidth and low latency of 4G and 5G networks are essential for modern mining applications, enabling real-time control of autonomous drilling rigs and the instant transmission of high-definition video for remote monitoring.

Fig. 1. Use cases found along the mining process that benefit from cellular connectivity

While Wi-Fi provides localized, cost-effective coverage in controlled areas, private networks deliver reliable connectivity across vast underground tunnels and operations. LTE/5G networks require fewer access points compared to Wi-Fi, thus reducing the cost of deployment and operations, and lowering the risk of network outages, which can affect worker safety. However, mines will use both Wi-Fi and private networks within their deployments from both a short- and long-term perspective.

Mines are long-term investments – many having been operating for decades. As mining operations change and evolve—the communication infrastructure must expand and adjust accordingly. Private cellular networks offer this flexibility, allowing for easy scalability as new areas are developed or operations shift.

 

Epiroc makes the tools for next-gen mining. Ericsson connects them.

Building connectivity for the mine of the future requires a collaborative approach. Epiroc provides specialized technical solutions for mines, including advanced drill rigs, load-and-haul-and-dump vehicles (LHDs), rock excavation equipment, and more. Recent acquisitions have enhanced Epiroc’s capabilities with technology, enabling real-time visualization of underground employees and mining vehicles on a digital global mining map. This new ability allows drivers to see what’s approaching, ultimately improving safety and efficiency. Epiroc also offers similar solutions for above-ground mining operations, all supported by private cellular networks.

The Ericsson-Epiroc partnership is already demonstrating how cellular networks can enhance the deployment and effectiveness of cutting-edge mining technologies:

Autonomous operations – Cellular networks elevate the performance of autonomous vehicles, such as Epiroc’s Pit Viper drill rigs, enabling synchronized operations in open-pit mines, through low-latency communication.

Advanced monitoring and safety – Cellular networks support extensive sensor networks throughout a mine, providing real-time data on everything from air quality to rock stability.  The high-bandwidth capabilities of cellular networks also allow for the creation of digital twins for remote monitoring.

Efficient resource management – Enhanced connectivity offers precise control of smart ventilation systems, optimizing energy consumption while ensuring a safe working environment.

NEXGEN SIMS: A glimpse at the future of mining

The potential of cellular networks in mining is perhaps best exemplified by the NEXGENS (Next Generation Sustainable Intelligent Mining System) project. This EU-funded initiative, led by Epiroc in collaboration with Ericsson and other global partners, aimed to create a mining system that significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and boost safety through advanced automation. During its three-year duration, Epiroc established a test facility in Sweden, where Ericsson Private 5G (EP5G) technology provided the communication backbone for a range of advanced applications.

One of the most challenging aspects of the project was the implementation of autonomous mine machinery in mixed-traffic scenarios—environments where autonomous machines, semi-autonomous equipment, conventional vehicles, and human workers must safely coexist.

The EP5G-based solution developed for NEXGEN SIMS met the stringent 24ms latency requirement for real-time safety-critical communication, a level of performance simply not possible with traditional Wi-Fi networks, underscoring the transformative potential of cellular technology in mining operations

A broad ecosystem amplifies innovation

While the Ericsson-Epiroc partnership is at the forefront of the cellular revolution in mining, it's part of a broader ecosystem driving innovation in the sector. Ericsson has fostered collaborations with various partners, including telecommunications providers and technology companies, to deploy cellular solutions in mines across Canada and Australia.

Fig 2. End to end mining connectivity ecosystem

These deployments have already yielded measurable productivity gains, proving the business value of cellular networks in mining. As more companies adopt these technologies, one could expect additional innovations and best practices to rapidly spread throughout the industry.  

What’s your vision for the mine of the future? The network is ready for you.

Looking ahead, advanced technologies will play a vital role to mining’s future. However, the successful implementation of these technologies will depend on having a robust, reliable and flexible communication infrastructure.

Private cellular networks, as demonstrated by the Ericsson-Epiroc partnership and projects like NEXGEN SIMS, provide this crucial foundation. By enabling seamless connectivity, high-bandwidth data transmission and ultra-low latency communication, these networks not only support current mining technologies but also enable the next generation of innovations.

For mining executives and engineers aiming to future-proof their operations, understanding and leveraging the potential of private cellular networks is undeniable. As the industry continues to evolve, those who effectively harness these technologies will be best positioned to lead in efficiency and safety.