The future of mining is here: Newmont’s 5G revolution at Cadia Mine

Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM, TSX: NGT, ASX: NEM, PNGX: NEM) has announced a major expansion of its 5G wireless network technology to enhance safety and efficiency in underground mining. This follows a successful trial at its Cadia mine in New South Wales, Australia, where the technology demonstrated substantial improvements over traditional Wi-Fi systems.

5G Implementation to Transform Mining Operations

In February of the previous year, Newmont Corporation embarked on a groundbreaking trial of 5G technology in partnership with Ericsson and Telstra Purple at Cadia, one of the world’s largest underground gold and copper mines. Prior to the trial, Cadia’s operations were hampered by Wi-Fi connections that offered limited upload speeds of 20-30 megabits per second (Mbps). These speeds were inadequate for managing the high data demands of autonomous equipment, including ore loaders and remote-controlled mining machinery. Wi-Fi connections often proved unreliable under heavy loads, resulting in frequent safety stop triggers due to network packet loss.

The trial demonstrated that Ericsson Private 5G could significantly improve performance, achieving upload speeds of approximately 90 Mbps throughout access drives and declines in the underground complex. On the vital extraction drives, speeds reached 150 Mbps for uploads and 500 Mbps for downloads. This leap in connectivity not only addressed the limitations of Wi-Fi but also provided the reliable and consistent performance necessary for operating remote control and autonomous systems in the mine.

Newmont Corporation expands 5G technology in underground mining following a successful Cadia mine trial, enhancing safety and efficiency in mining operations.

Impact on Safety and Operational Efficiency

Suzy Retallack, Chief Safety and Sustainability Officer at Newmont, highlighted the transformative potential of the 5G trial. She stated, “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.” Retallack emphasized that these advances mark a new era in mining technology, where innovation is key to enhancing safety and productivity.

With the success of the trial, Newmont plans to deploy additional autonomous equipment, including drill rigs, graders, and automated haul trucks, leveraging 5G technology. This expansion will utilize 5G’s advanced capabilities to streamline operations and integrate new safety systems, such as radars and collision avoidance technology, to further enhance mine safety.

Ericsson’s Contributions to Mining Innovation

Manish Tiwari, Head of Private Cellular Networks at Ericsson, underscored the global significance of the 5G deployment. “5G is enabling rapid global transformation of industry, supporting digitalisation and the move towards more automated, efficient, and safer operations across various sectors,” Tiwari remarked. He expressed pride in collaborating with Newmont to showcase 5G’s potential within the mining industry.

The trial also included testing of 5G New Radio (NR) technologies on the surface at Cadia, which highlighted advancements such as 64T64R Massive MIMO, beamforming, and beam-steering. These innovations provided a notable improvement in throughput over extended distances, showcasing the far-reaching benefits of 5G in mining operations.

Strategic Expansion and Regulatory Support

Following the successful Cadia trial, Newmont is seeking further regulatory support to expand 5G technology. With backing from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), Newmont has applied for Area Wide Licenses to extend 5G across its Australian operations. The company is also planning to integrate 5G networks into its global operations at Tier 1 underground gold-copper mines.

Industry Context and Future Prospects

The integration of 5G in mining is part of a broader trend towards digitalisation and automation in the industry. 5G technology’s low latency and high-speed connectivity are transforming how mining companies manage operations, enhance safety, and improve efficiency. Newmont’s initiative is a leading example of how advanced telecommunications can drive innovation and operational excellence in challenging environments.