Ericsson and Ambra develop Canadian mine LTE network
Canada’s deepest underground LTE network has been delivered by Ericsson and Ambra Solutions.
The two companies have worked together on developing the network for the Agnico Eagle mining site, LaRonde, in Abitibi, Quebec.
Located three kilometres below the surface, the LTE network will provide data and voice mobility services across the site and enable several Internet of Things (IoT) use cases to improve safety and mining operations.
LTE cellular networks can provide data and voice mobility services over low frequency bands that allow a better propagation than any other available technology, delivering faster, more advanced wireless technology. The network in LaRonde is utilising band 5 at 850 MHz. Ambra is the only Canadian operator deploying private LTE networks in underground mines.
The solution is based on the latest Ericsson radio system portfolio of basebands and radio units, software upgradable to provide massive IoT capabilities for sensor-based applications and support 5G new radio (NR) capability.
“The LTE technology is the most cost-effective and reliable solution to provide real-time coverage to several kilometres of underground tunnels. A single LTE radio can cover up to six kilometres of tunnel, whereas it would take over 60 active Wi-Fi access points to cover the same area,” said Eric L’Heureux, CEO of Ambra Solutions.
LTE networks open a new suite of capabilities and possibilities to cost-effectively enable smart mining-related tasks for open pits or underground mines. Unlike other options, LTE networks allow the use of IoT sensors and devices to monitor, operate and collect data throughout the mining site, for example, related to air quality monitoring. This includes remote control operation of mining machinery, dispatch systems, emergency notification systems, access control systems, automated collection of data, ventilation fan monitoring and gas detection systems.
“Deploying this underground LTE network will provide us with new learning opportunities in a novel application and how they can lead to future technologies and ideas,” said Graham Osborne, head of Ericsson Canada.
Agnico Eagle is a senior Canadian gold mining company with eight mines in Canada, Finland and Mexico. LaRonde is Agnico Eagle’s flagship mine, located in the Abitibi region of north-western Quebec. LaRonde has produced more than five million ounces of gold since it opened in 1988.
Completed in December 2017, the LTE network provides connection across the site. It is similar to the mining site of Boliden in Skellefteå Municipality, Västerbotten County, Sweden, which was also built using Ericsson equipment.
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