Downstream transformation unlocked by next generation networks

Whenever I read an article about the mine of the future, irrespective of how correct or incorrect the subject matter is, I am intrigued by the accompanying photographs. Sometimes it is a miner using a tablet or smart phone, and sometimes it is a collage of futuristic images of miners using different high-tech looking instruments with bright highlights denoting interconnectivity. This is all done in an attempt to depict a future of mining that is different and more advanced than present day mines.

What has become clear is that the recent strides in next generation networks have made some of these forward-looking prognostications a reality. I have written previously about the evolution of underground communications with a focus on leaky feeder, so I will focus on the state of the communication install base and the downstream benefits that have been unlocked for the industry in this article.

Developing robust communication systems is a tough task for underground mining because of the harsh conditions and the limitations imposed by operating in a workplace encased by rock deep below the surface. Until recently, the adoption of communication systems has been variable and uneven as there has not been a system that can solve all of the problems and difficulties encountered with underground mine communications. A few technologies have gained prominence sector-wide, such as long term evolution cellular LTE, LoRa WAN, Wi-Fi and mesh networks made up of a combination of communications protocols. However, of late, LTE has risen above the rest as a clear winner on functionality and scalability.

By far, the technology that has become the fastest growing in the install base in underground is LTE, which is a wireless communication standard that operates in the licensed frequency bands between 700 MHz and 6 GHz. This is the same technology that smart phones run on when they are not connected to Wi-Fi. In the mining industry, LTE is now being used across the industry to unlock downstream benefits like widespread use of handheld smart devices, remote monitoring, machine health tracking, occupancy tracking, and many more. Underground LTE provides miners access to the connectivity surface operations take for granted and it makes available high-speed and ultra-low latency that is critical for automated processes in the underground environment.

A good example of LTE in practice was recently announced by telecom giant Nokia and mining equipment manufacturer Sandvik. Together, with the Finnish research organization VTT, the two companies have started working towards deploying private LTE (5G) networks and high-capacity computing in service of Sandvik’s autonomous mining roadmap. Fifth generation mobile networks (5G) are the newest communication standard that enables ultra-fast connectivity with very low latency.

The goal was to pilot and evaluate the feasibility and potential of 5G and the associated edge computing capacity enabling new technology adoption within underground mines. Chiefly, mission critical situational awareness functions, real-time video, and near real-time machine data gathering were successfully explored as part of the study. This successful pilot drives at the core benefits of LTE and 5G in industrial settings, scalability, dependability, and low latency.

Private LTE generally, and 5G in particular, is the first widely utilized wireless network technology designed for industrial applications. 5G provides the scalability and reliability to support the future of connected industrial spaces. These networks provide nearly unlimited capacity for massive and scalable connectivity that will allow thousands of simultaneous devices to be connected. It is estimated that it will be able to support one million devices, compared to the 2,000 supported by 4G. This is particularly interesting in terms of industrial internet of things (IIoT). Moreover, a dependable communications infrastructure is paramount in an industry like mining where safety is critical. 5G networks allow for ultra-reliable low-latency communications, allowing for real-time video streaming and data transmission. Tele-operated equipment and command and control in general is made possible through 5G networks.

LTE networks will eventually become the standard in underground mines because of some of the benefits discussed above. For technology companies seeking to explore the benefits of these next generation networks, testing and troubleshooting solutions that leverage this technology are important. The Centre for Smart Mining at Cambrian College is currently testing a solution that monitors asset health using a 5G backbone. The technology is being put through its paces at NORCAT’s underground test centre in Onaping. The centre is uniquely equipped with a 5G test network provided by Rogers for companies to test new technology. Working with a research team and having access to resources like this test network demystifies new technology and makes it easier to deploy in the field.

Mining has long been thought to be a slow adopter of technologies. While not every level of every mine has been lit up by LTE, this domain seems to be an area where the mining sector has bucked the late adopter trend. There are key benefits and downstream technologies that are unlocked by LTE and 5G. Soon, the futuristic forward-looking misty blue images of interconnected mines will not be so far-fetched as the smart mine becomes a reality. 

Steve Gravel is the manager of the Centre for Smart Mining at Cambrian College.

---