In 2021, Detour Lake Mine became the first mining operation in Canada to be fully connected over a 5G wireless private network. This network provides an extra layer of connectivity, helping to create a safer work environment for Detour Lake Mine’s employees and contractors.
The mine is also building a similar 5G LTE public network along Highway 652 from Cochrane to the mine – bringing more than 180 km of connectivity to the community with eight new wireless towers – making highway travel safer for everyone in this remote region. This public network is almost all off-grid, with seven of the eight towers primarily powered by wind and solar energy. It is expected to be fully accessible by summer 2022.
The Kittilä Mine has also adopted the implementation of a 5G network, which will allow it to optimize the use of autonomous trucks at its facilities. The LaRonde Complex has long been a testing ground for new digital and automation technologies. The mine introduced two leading mining technology innovations:
• a 4G LTE cellular network is available throughout the mine which improves the mine’s communications abilities. This provides a safer workplace, thanks in part to the ability to better track and monitor people’s locations and contact them in emergency situations.
• an Automine automation system to autonomously haul ore from the production level up a haulage ramp to the stockpile.
The Goldex Mine also remotely operates mobile equipment from the surface for improved safety. An LTE network was installed underground in the Rail-Veyor® – a fully automated ore hauling system – ramp for real time monitoring and communications for improved and timely detection of any derailment.