Telia will deliver both a radio network and core network that will initially run on an Ericsson 4G technology, but be ready "over time" to upgrade to 5G.

"This full scale secure dedicated mobile network with high availability will enable Boliden to accelerate their digital journey and adopt entirely new technologies in a real production environment," said Tobias Larsson, head of the enterprise business unit at Telia Sweden.

A mobile base station at Aitik can be extended using 5G radio "dots", signal boosters that enhance indoor coverage or walkie-talkie functionality in mobile phones, said Telia.

The communications network will provide the connectivity needed for proactive maintenance and automation.

"This deal is a milestone in our cooperation with Boliden and our initiatives in dedicated network services," said Larsson.

Aitik is located just south of Gallivare in northern Sweden and is the country's largest open-pit copper mine - The open pit is 3 km long, 1.1 km wide and 450 meters deep, with 40.6 million tonnes  of ore mined and concentrated there in 2019.