Telecomms and connectivity major Ericsson and Epiroc, a leader in mining equipment and solutions, have signed an agreement in Mexico focused on simplifying the use of private cellular technologies for workers safety, data collection, digitisation, and automation in mines. By standardising automation and connectivity on sites, mining products, services, and solutions are becoming safer, smarter, and more efficient.
The ‘pioneering collaboration’ in Mexico uses private cellular networks to transform mining. The statement said: “The solution lies in digital transformation, enabled by robust and reliable cellular networks, and resulting in enhanced worker safety, smart automation and the digitalisation of mining business-critical operations. By combining Ericsson’s Private 5G connectivity expertise with Epiroc’s mining knowledge, 4G and 5G technologies make a smart, safe, and seamless future for mining possible.”
Ericsson Private 5G is Ericsson’s next-generation private network solution, providing secure and reliable 4G and 5G connectivity through its single server dual mode core. Built for business-critical connectivity, the product comes pre-integrated to ensure rapid time to service, delivering advanced and intelligent operations in any environment, all while keeping sensitive data secured on site. Ericsson says Private 5G can support and adapt to a variety of use cases, industries, and levels of complexity for enterprises.
César Rojas, Epiroc Business Line Manager – Digital Solutions Division, said: “Epiroc strategic pillars require wireless communication. To achieve our Safety, Automation and Digitalisation strategy, our solutions must connect easily to the customers infrastructure. Customers also need ongoing support of their networks. Epiroc will provide Network and Infrastructure solutions and services to our customers on a global market. Our offering will grow organically, strategically and in partnerships. Projects will be the core business model as an independent network systems integrator providing critical, seamless connectivity solutions as well as highly skilled and specialized staff. Growth is underpinned by growing market share through extending customer base to Tier 2-3 and underground mines, as well as capturing a larger share of the existing Tier 1 mining clients.”
Mexico will be part of the regional system integrators (with Project, Installation & Support) and Partners coordinated through a global Center of Excellence (Strategy, Network design, Partnerships).
Mining companies are rapidly adopting new tools and applications, such as telemetry, wireless sensors, and remote operations, to improve safety, productivity, and financial performance. This trend heavily depends on the proper integration of automation and data exchange, which in turn requires reliable connectivity.
With the signing of this cooperation agreement in Mexico, Epiroc and Ericsson aim to help mining companies achieve optimal wireless connectivity in their operations using standardized 4G/LTE and 5G technologies.
In this way, Epiroc creates tools for next-generation mining, and Ericsson connects these environments through its technology:
- Autonomous Operations: Cellular networks enhance the performance of autonomous vehicles, such as Epiroc’s Pit Viper drills, enabling synchronised operations in open-pit mines through low-latency communication.
- Advanced Monitoring and Safety: Cellular networks support extensive sensor networks in a mine, providing real-time data from air quality to rock stability. The high-bandwidth capabilities of cellular networks also allow for the creation of digital twins for remote monitoring.
- Efficient Resource Management: Enhanced connectivity offers precise control of smart ventilation systems, optimising energy consumption and ensuring a safe working environment.
The improvement of processes, performance, and high availability of technological services is now an essential requirement for the mining industry. A report by Ericsson, in collaboration with consulting firm Arthur D. Little, identified that the implementation of technological solutions in the mining sector will make a difference in productivity, tripling the bottom line 2025.
Francisco Rey, Commercial Vice President for Industry, Regional Accounts Mexico, Central America and Venezuela at Ericsson, commented: “Connected mines are the future of this industry, ensuring efficiency, safety for miners, reduced environmental impact, and greater profitability.. By automating operations, mining companies can improve their sustainability by reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. With game-changing technologies such as Ericsson Private 5G, Mexico will be able to commit to continued leadership in the digitalisation of mines, and other industries.”
Mining operations have committed to developing safer and more efficient standards and processes. According to a report published by Accenture and the World Economic Forum, smart mining has the potential to prevent 1,000 deaths (-10%) and 44,000 injuries (-20%) in the next decade.
This transformation will generate a series of benefits for mining companies, such as the localisation of people and vehicles, evacuation plan support, surface localisation, real-time monitoring, greater network availability, instant fault identification, maintenance control and management, gas detection like CO2, energy and resource savings, among others.
