NETWORKS & COMMS
wireless technology to implement and deploy a 100 % local and geo-redundant core network . They brought in a single point of contact to designing , building and operating a tailored network , deploying best practices and technologies to help Boliden Kevitsa achieve their digitalisation goals .
Phase 1 provided private wireless coverage to the whole 14 km 2 outdoor mining area , connecting facilities , vehicles and drilling equipment . The initial network deployment also provided basic coverage for the indoor facilities . Phase 2 extended coverage to all the buildings and facilities at the Boliden Kevitsa mining site – with indoor and outdoor fully integrated . No matter where you are at the site , there is seamless connectivity . Every employee in the area is fully connected . The network will be able to support future critical communications needs and use cases enabling Boliden Kevitsa to keep benefitting from wireless connectivity for a broad range of mission-critical and safety-critical applications .
“ Boliden needed a complete environment for outdoor and indoor areas that gives them full control without any blind spots . It ’ s a platform for future proofing their digital technologies ,” says Jaakko Kuukka , Commercial Country Manager , Edzcom . “ Private wireless networks provide the capacity , coverage and reliable , low-latency communications to enable digital connected mines like Boliden Kevitsa ,” adds Jaime Laguna , Global Head of Mining , Nokia .
“ Unfortunately , we have a large-scale , lowgrade deposit . That means we have to put extra focus on the efficiency . Automatisation and electrification are important . And for that , of course , we need to have reliable networks that we can use in the harsh climate here ,” says Henrik Grind , General Manager , Boliden Kevitsa .
Antti Eskelinen , Finance Manager , Boliden Kevitsa : “ Wireless connectivity is the main enabler for automation down in the pit . For example , today we have tele-remote drilling , but we are planning to move towards autonomous drilling . In hauling , we can ensure quality control , such as programming the system to follow what type of material is loaded and trigger an alert when the driver is going to the wrong place to dump it . In addition , the maintenance team can monitor vehicle information and receive alerts to prevent potential failures and other issues . For us , Wi-Fi is not an option . With private wireless we only need four access points to cover the 14 km 2 pit area , whereas with Wi-Fi we would need at least ten times as many .”
Elsewhere , Edzcom and Callio Pyhäjärvi say they have joined hands “ to boost the automation and digitalisation of the entire mining industry in Finland and internationally ” through a state-ofthe-art 5G private wireless network . The project , known as ‘ FutureMINE – the future digital test mine project ’ is located in Pyhäsalmi , which is one of the deepest known mines in Europe , reaching 1,445 m underground . The former copper , zinc and pyrite mine is in central Finland , 4 km southeast of the town of Pyhäjärvi , on Lake Pyhäjärvi . It is still owned by former operator First Quantum Minerals and on the surface , pyrite supply will extend until 2025 , based on reclaiming pyrite from tailings .
The venture seeks to unlock new possibilities , not only for the mining industry , but also for OEM manufacturers of vehicles and machines together with end users of battery-powered technology , along with companies related to the transport , energy storage , explosives and tunnel construction industries .
The FutureMINE business partners include Pyhäsalmi Mine Oy itself , owned by former operator First Quantum , Edzcom Oy , Sandvik Oy , Normet Oy , M-Solutions Oy , Pyhäsalmen Kvanttikinteistöt Oy , Kempower Oy , Oy Forcit Ab , Delta Cygni Labs Oy , Byrnecut Ltd , and OZ Minerals Ltd ( now part of BHP ).
The 5G private wireless network includes leading-edge Nokia Modular Private Wireless
SMART COMMUNICATIONS
From voice-only communication through to sophisticated cellular data systems , Becker Mining Systems offer a variety of solutions to accommodate for different customer and user requirements . With a strong background and experience in mining applications , we are the global partner for your communication project .
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