Newmont (TSE: NGT) has successfully deployed Ericsson’s (NASDAQ: ERIC) private 5G network at Cadia, Australia’s largest underground mine. This deployment marks the first application of 5G technology for teleremote dozing in surface operations.

By utilizing the coverage and performance capabilities of Ericsson’s private 5G, Newmont has addressed the limitations previously experienced with Wi-Fi. This advancement has allowed the company to maximize the productivity of multiple dozers, enhance operational efficiency, and prioritize worker safety.

Historically, Newmont faced significant restrictions with Wi-Fi, as it could only connect two machines at distances not exceeding 100 meters. This setup resulted in instability and potential downtimes that could last half a 12-hour shift or longer. Troubleshooting and efforts to restore connectivity often hindered operations.

With the introduction of Ericsson’s private 5G, Newmont can now interconnect its entire dozer fleet across a span of 2.5 kilometers from a single 5G radio. The network supports uplink throughput of up to 175 Mbps, sufficient for operating as many as 12 dozers simultaneously. This substantial improvement has eliminated interruptions associated with communication instability, leading to safer production and enabling workers to excavate more earth per shift than was possible with Wi-Fi.

“Ericsson’s Private 5G network delivers a scalable and high-performing solution that meets our coverage needs while ensuring the safety of our team,” said Chris Twaddle, Newmont’s director of process control, networks, and operational cellular. “It also aligns with our long-term vision to leverage 5G for smart mining operations in both our Tier 1 surface and underground mines worldwide,” he stated in a news release.

In addition to the 5G network, Newmont is utilizing Ericsson’s 5G Antenna Integrated Radio along with Ericsson Massive MIMO (multiple input/multiple output) technology. This setup provides the necessary uplink connectivity for teleremote dozing and enhances performance capabilities. The Massive MIMO technology allows mining companies to tap into mid-band spectrum for superior uplink throughput over extended distances, significantly increasing network capacity with fewer radio units.

“The collaboration with Newmont at Cadia highlights the transformative potential of 5G in the industrial sector. Ericsson’s radio portfolio effectively reduces the infrastructure required to deploy and maintain coverage in industrial sites,” commented Manish Tiwari, head of enterprise 5G, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, Ericsson.

“This solution enables enterprises to operate their private 5G networks to achieve high-performance levels for advanced video-based control and computer vision applications, which is particularly beneficial in spectrum-constrained environments,” Tiwari added.