Newmont said it is expanding its use of next-generation 5G wireless networks to improve mine safety following trial results from its Cadia underground operation in New South Wales, Australia.
Before the trial with Ericsson and Telstra Purple, Newmont said Cadia was limited to upload speeds of 20-30 megabits per second using Wi-Fi to operate autonomous equipment such as ore loaders and remote-controlled mining machines. According to the miner, these Wi-Fi connections were unreliable and unpredictable when under load.
Using Ericsson Private 5G, Newmont was able to demonstrate the ability to achieve upload speeds of around 90 Mbps along access drives and declines throughout the underground complex, and 150 Mbps upload and 500 Mbps download on all-important extraction drives.
“The trial results show the extraordinary potential of 5G to improve safety, increase the number of machines that can be operated on a single network and boost production efficiencies in underground mining,” said Newmont Chief Safety and Sustainability Officer Suzy Retallack.
“These trials are part of the new frontier of technology in mining – using innovation to make our people safer and our mines more productive.”
Newmont said it has applied to the Australian Communications and Media Authority for area wide licenses to extend and embed the use of 5G technology across its Australian operations.
Source: Newmont Corp.