NETWORKS AND COMMS
and , empowered by the network , connected devices gather the information to relay crucial data to its iPS core , the company explains . Complementing this infrastructure is a tracking controller integrated into the network , mapping each beacon ’ s identifier to its spatial coordinates in real time . And beyond tracking , this solution boasts integration capabilities , allowing the integration of data from other systems , integration with third party technologies ( VoD , other location equipment vendors , etc ), autocreation of unsurveyed or drawn maps , high accuracy positioning in real time and review travel history .
Intercepting the beacon identifier transmitted via the radio frequency network by the communication device and leveraging the tracking data repository to match the received identifier with its corresponding spatial coordinates , the data culminates at the control centre where it is analysed and aggregated to be visualised on a 3D interface in real time , facilitating near-instantaneous critical decision making , Ambra says .
It continues : “ With this innovative patented solution , pinpointing the exact location of all communication devices connected to the iPS ecosystem within the remote environment becomes seamless and efficient , making mines not only optimally performant , but most of all , ensuring the safety of its workers .”
L ’ Heureux added : “ This unique patent allows us to provide a reliable underground tracking system powered by the same 4G / 5G cable used for communication . In addition to eliminating maintenance , this solution allows mining companies to reduce battery-powered beacons and avoid disposing batteries on a regular basis .”
Meglab to integrate private LTE / 5G into Canadian mining
Meglab is to integrate private LTE / 5G network solutions into the Canadian mining sector in partnership with Bell , setting , it says , a new standard for operational efficiency and technological advancement .
The offer for private mobile networks for the mining sector allows the secure transfer of large quantities of data at very high speeds . With these capabilities , mining companies can use artificial intelligence in their daily operations to automate and evaluate decision-making processes to maximise productivity . They are also able to perform preventative maintenance and create a more secure working environment for their employees .
Meglab ’ s experience in the mining sector is complemented by its specialised workforce , not only capable of operating in remote locations , but also skilled in the deployment of advanced telecommunications technologies in underground mines , it says . Combined with Bell ’ s private mobile network expertise , Meglab is set to power mines with connected equipment , people and processes that will advance mining operations in Canada .
“ We are so proud of this partnership ,” Kim Valade , General Manager of Meglab ( owned by Epiroc ), said . “ This unique collaboration will enable us to offer the very best in private mobile networks for the mining industry .”
The partnership not only enables the use of industrial IoT and artificial intelligence , it also actively supports the automation of mining vehicles , Meglab says , adding that this is a crucial step towards modernising mining operations . This integration ensures a seamless flow of data , videos , images and voice communications . The Private LTE / 5G networks are specifically designed to handle the heavy data demands and exacting operational reliability of the mining sector , thus ensuring security and speed in data transfer , and facilitating the sophisticated processes of automated mining .
Costa Pantazopoulos , VP Product , Bell , said : “ Bell is proud to partner with Meglab to help bring together the diverse ecosystem of mining partners together with our private mobile network to support the digital transformation of the Canadian mining industry .”
Nokia private LTE to connect leading lithium mine
Nokia says it has been chosen by Sigma Lithium , a leading global lithium producer , to deploy the first private LTE wireless campus network in the Americas that supports the mining of lithium – a metal critical to the production of batteries that power electric vehicles . Nokia will work with partner Alcon to roll out the private wireless network at the Grota do Cirilo mining operation in Brazil , which will support 200 Sigma employees and add multiple innovative mining applications that boost productivity and operational efficiency .
As the world converts to more energy-efficient vehicles to combat climate change , demand for lithium is skyrocketing . Exploration globally is expected to increase more than 10 times by 2035 . Already a leader in advanced sustainable mining practices , Sigma produced record amounts of Triple Zero Green Lithium at its Brazil plant in 2023 and its Quintuple Zero Green Lithium was recognised at COP28 as the most sustainable lithium in the world .
With the addition of a Nokia private LTE
Nokia will work with partner Alcon to roll out the private wireless network at the Grota do Cirilo lithium mining operation in Brazil
network based on Nokia Digital Automation Cloud ( Nokia DAC ), the company is ratcheting up its goal to produce next-generation EV batteries in a carbon neutral , socially and environmentally sustainable manner – deploying robust dedicated bandwidth and throughput across its sites . Connecting workers with certified ruggedised devices , industrial edge computing and a catalogue of ecosystem-neutral applications contribute to the creation of a safer working environment and enhance productivity and operational efficiency with crucial mining apps such as dispatch , push-to-talk and push-to-video , and smart badge systems .
Marcelo Marinho , Chief Operating Officer at Sigma Lithium , said : “ At Sigma , we are dedicated to powering the next generation of EVs in the most sustainable manner . We are very excited to work with Nokia and Alcon to enhance worker safety and efficiency while continuing to expand our exploration of a metal critical to the world ’ s energy transition .”
Victorio Accon , Commercial Manager at Alcon , said : “ We are very pleased to partner with Nokia on this exciting project to bring mission-critical networking to Sigma Lithium . Our expertise in deploying these vital solutions in challenging environments will ensure an optimised roll-out for Sigma Lithium .”
David de Lancelloti , Vice President Enterprise Campus Edge Business at Nokia , said : “ This exciting collaboration with Alcon will bring robust connectivity to world-class lithium mining leader Sigma Lithium and accelerate digitalisation . Dedicated , mission-critical connectivity connecting industrial devices and applications is at the heart of revolutionising the way the mining sector operates – keeping employees safe and enabling high-performance operations that deliver results .”
Vale builds on Vivo partnership with railroad 4G
In Brazil , Vale has started to implement , in partnership with Vivo , an unprecedented technology infrastructure to extend the reach of
88 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2024