Nokia announced Tuesday that Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology will deploy a Nokia 5G SA industrial-grade private wireless network at its test mine in Tampere, Finland.
Based on Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC), the 5G standalone (SA) network will be used to enhance communications and connectivity at the facility, a real-life mining environment where Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology tests, develops and prototypes mining solutions.
The network will enable fast, reliable and secure voice and video communications in a mining setting
Nokia said the network will enable fast, reliable and secure voice and video communications in a mining setting, which presents challenging deployment conditions. Its 5G capability will also be used for automated mining processes, enabling remote machine operations over 4K video links between deep underground and the surface control center.
“By deploying a Nokia 5G SA private wireless network with Nokia Digital Automation Cloud, we can trial and showcase an entirely new range of game-changing products and capabilities here in our Tampere test mine,” said Patrick Murphy, president, rock drills and technologies, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology.
“As we work with our customers to help them leverage technology to digitalize their operations, the introduction of 5G opens the door to new opportunities in robotics, remote and autonomous operations, full-fleet automation, analytics and enhanced safety. As such, it comprises a breakthrough in the digital transformation of mining,” Murphy said.