Vodafone Spain is deploying a private 5G network at the Muga sylvinite (potash) mine, located in Navarra, with the help of mining company Geoalcali, part of Highfield Resources. The flagship Muga Project is targeting the relatively shallow sylvinite beds in the Muga Project area with mining planned to commence at a depth of approximately 350 m from surface and is therefore ideal for a relatively low-cost conventional mine accessed via a dual decline.
The mining method proposed for the project is conventional underground mining using continuous miners, roadheaders and conveyors. The Muga processing plant in Sangüesa will use a two stage crushing process, attrition scrubbing and hydrocyclone de-sliming stage followed by a KCl froth flotation circuit.
This private 5G technological milestone will benefit more than 1,000 workers during the construction phase and another 800 during operation who will be able to connect by voice – even in roaming – and data with their smartphones and use push to talk solutions in a demanding work environment such as that of the Muga mine.
The 5G/4G private network will allow mobile equipment and machinery to be connected safely, reliably and efficiently, significantly improving communication and access to data in real time, even in the deepest and most remote points of the mine where communications nodes will be installed.
Among the main benefits of this private 5G/4G network are an increase in efficiency and safety by allowing continuous and reliable communication between equipment and operators inside the mine. Advanced digitalisation will facilitate the remote control of machinery, the automation of processes and the management of critical data in real time. Also thanks to a robust technological infrastructure, security is reinforced in complex operations and difficult-to-access environments.
Vodafone states: “This deployment is a clear example of Vodafone’s commitment to the digitalisation of strategic sectors in Spain. The private network technology that will be implemented in the coming months offers redundant connectivity links and access to fibre optic networks to ensure maximum reliability in communications. This cutting-edge technological project also includes the digitalisation of the work environment, video surveillance and access control, Wi-Fi connectivity, digital twins and active monitoring with drones, among others.”
Ignacio Salazar, CEO of Geoalcali, commented: “We are delighted to collaborate with Vodafone on this implementation. This is another example of our commitment to the application of the latest technologies in our project and demonstrates the great capacity to generate new opportunities for many sectors. We hope to soon have this project underway, which will generate wealth, hundreds of direct jobs, and thousands of indirect jobs in the territory.”
This milestone not only marks progress in the mining sector, but also opens the door to replicate this solution in other industries seeking to take advantage of the benefits of private 5G connectivity. With this deployment, Vodafone says it continues to lead the digital transformation in Spain, promoting the adoption of advanced technologies to maximise the potential of key sectors in the economy.
Jesús Suso, director of Vodafone Empresas, stated: “The implementation of this private 5G network reinforces our commitment to innovation and digital transformation in Spain. This project demonstrates how technology can transform key industrial sectors, improving both safety and operational efficiency.”
