Mobile TeleSystems (MTS), Russia’s largest mobile operator, will build a commercial 5G-ready private network for Severstal’s Karelsky Okatysh iron ore operation in northwest Russia. The network will be built on the Ericsson Dedicated Network solution.
The network is scheduled to launch in April 2022.
As part of the agreement, MTS will build a dedicated LTE/5G-ready network for dispatching voice and video communication systems, positioning and video monitoring of transport and mining equipment, as well as emergency notification and operational management of the production complex.
For the first stage of the project, the network will operate in the LTE standard with the possibility of a smooth and fast upgrade to 5G. For the second stage, solutions will be modernized for the automation of processes for extraction, transportation and processing of ore, as well as solutions for collection, processing, storage and visualization of data.
“With the implementation of the LTE/5G-ready network, we expect a significant improvement in the quality of dispatch control systems and optimization of the work of opencast transport, and as a result, an increase in production efficiency in open pits,” said Vladimir Lyushenko, head of Digital Technologies, Development of Iron Ore Assets at Severstal.
“The LTE/5G-ready network will allow for more efficient implementation of projects in the field of industrial automation, video analytics and personnel location, as well as provide fast and secure data collection and voice transmission.”
The Karelsky Okatysh mining complex produces about 30% of iron ore pellets in Russia.
Source: Ericsson