When it comes to innovation, the mining industry is often seen as trailing behind other sectors. However, Newmont Corporation, a global gold and copper mining giant, is proving that perception wrong. Based in Perth, Australia, Newmont is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in underground mining by expanding its use of next-generation 5G wireless networks. This groundbreaking move is set to improve safety, boost production efficiencies, and revolutionize the way we think about mining.
In February last year, Newmont, in partnership with Ericsson and Telstra Purple, initiated a 5G trial at its Cadia mine in New South Wales, Australia. Before the trial, Cadia was grappling with unreliable and unpredictable Wi-Fi connections, which limited upload speeds to 20-30 megabits per second (Mbps). This was barely sufficient to operate autonomous equipment like ore loaders and remote-controlled mining machines. The Wi-Fi network's limitations led to frequent automation safety stops triggered by network packet loss, significantly hampering operational efficiency.
The trial aimed to address these issues, and the results have been nothing short of extraordinary. Using Ericsson Private 5G, Newmont achieved upload speeds of around 90Mbps along access drives and declines and an impressive 150Mbps upload and 500Mbps download on extraction drives. These persistent and dependable connections have resolved historic limitations experienced with Wi-Fi, providing the consistent performance essential for remote control and autonomous mining systems.
One might wonder how exactly 5G technology can be implemented in such a challenging environment as an underground mine. The answer lies in the unique capabilities of 5G, which include high-speed data transfer, low latency, and the ability to support a high density of connected devices. These features make 5G ideal for operating autonomous mining machinery, which requires real-time data transmission to function effectively.
Newmont's Chief Safety and Sustainability Officer, Suzy Retallack, highlighted the benefits of this technology: "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." This means that Newmont can now roll out more autonomous fleet like drill rigs, graders, and auto haul trucks, relying on 5G's capabilities to streamline operations and deploy additional safety systems like radars and collision avoidance.
Given the success of the Cadia mine trial, Newmont is not stopping there. The company has applied to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for Area Wide Licenses to extend and embed the use of 5G technology across its Australian operations. This move is part of a broader strategy to expand 5G networks across Newmont's global network of Tier 1 underground gold-copper mines.
Ericsson's Head of Private Cellular Networks, Manish Tiwari, emphasized the transformative potential of 5G: "5G is enabling rapid global transformation of industry, supporting digitalization and movement towards automated, more efficient, and safer operations across a number of sectors." By partnering with Ericsson, Newmont is demonstrating the potential of 5G to the global mining sector, setting a precedent for other mining companies to follow.
Newmont's innovative use of 5G technology at the Cadia mine marks a significant milestone in the mining industry. By addressing the limitations of traditional Wi-Fi networks and leveraging the capabilities of 5G, Newmont is making its operations safer, more efficient, and more productive. This initiative is a testament to the company's commitment to using technology to enhance safety and sustainability in mining.
As Newmont continues to expand its 5G networks across its global operations, the mining industry is poised for a paradigm shift. The successful trial at Cadia serves as a blueprint for other mines worldwide, showcasing the immense potential of 5G technology to revolutionize mining. In the coming years, we can expect to see more mining companies adopting similar technologies, ushering in a new era of innovation and efficiency in the industry.
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