Boldyn’s deployment uses Nokia equipment in tunnels 1.5km deep to run remotely controlled vehicles and equipment in drive to make mining safer and more productive
Boldyn Networks and Nokia have deployed a private 5G network at the Callio FutureMINE site in Pyhäjärvi, Finland. Callio was an operational copper mine for more than 60 years and now provides an environment for technology companies to test and validate equipment.
Underground mines are one of the most challenging scenarios for connectivity due to their depth, complex network of tunnels, harsh environmental conditions, and the constant movement of people and machinery disrupting signals.
The private network is enabling the remote operation of autonomous vehicles and machinery from the surface, meaning fewer people work in hazardous underground conditions. This improves workers’ safety and increases productivity by minimising downtime and maximising the use of equipment. It also supports the development and testing of next-generation mining technologies in realistic, controlled environments.
Henrik Kiviniemi, Managing Director, Callio Pyhäjärvi said, “Downtime is expensive. Manual processes are risky. With private 5G, we’re solving both” and, “Our mission is to transform this unique 1.5 km-deep site into a world-class testbed where the next generation of automation and safety solutions can be developed and validated.”
Jaakko Kuukka, Country Manager Nordics, Boldyn Networks said, “We have designed and deployed a…private 5G network, based on Nokia technology at the Callio site. The network delivers seamless connectivity and full coverage across multiple underground mining levels.
“It’s the backbone of Callio’s vision for a fully automated test mine, supporting everything from tele-remote vehicles to real-time control of underground machinery. We’re enabling mining companies to test and develop next-generation solutions against a reliable network in realistic conditions, without disrupting live operations.”
