ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUE, QC – Ericsson and Ambra Solutions have delivered Canada’s deepest underground LTE network for the Agnico Eagle mining site known as LaRonde in Abitibi, Quebec.
Located three kilometers 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, reads the news release.
Unlike other options, LTE networks enable many smart mining related tasks for open pits or underground mines, such as allowing IoT sensors and devices to monitor, operate and collect data throughout the mining site. These could include the 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.
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.
“Our work with Ambra brings Ericsson technology to a specialized environment in a unique application”, said Head of Ericsson Canada Graham Osborne, in the release. “Deploying this underground LTE network will provide us many learning opportunities in a new and novel application and how it can lead to future technologies and ideas.”
Ambra said that it is the only Canadian operator deploying private LTE networks in underground mines, and that the network in LaRonde is utilizing band 5 at 850MHz.
“The LTE technology is the most cost effective and reliable solution to provide real-time coverage to several KM of underground tunnels”, added Ambra Solutions CEO Eric L’Heureux. “A single LTE radio can cover up to 6km of tunnel, whereas it would take over 60 active Wi-Fi access points to cover the same area.”
LaRonde is Agnico Eagles flagship mine, located in the Abitibi region of northwestern Quebec. It has produced more than 5 million ounces of gold since it opened in 1988.
