Pyhäsalmi, which is one of the deepest known mines in Europe, reaching 1,445 meters underground, will host a 5G network that will cover a distance of 11,5 km total in length and eight levels underground.

Callio Pyhäjärvi, a company created to oversee the reuse of the historic mine, will work with Nokia and Edzcom, a subsidiary of French telecoms firm Cellnex, on development of the "FutureMINE-future digital test mine project" at the site.

The partners said the solution has been designed to support predictive maintenance, location services, 3D modelling, advanced analytics, mining automation among other key use cases.

The project's key focus areas include testing and verifying various mining applications, developing future mining services which require full coverage, continuous improvement, innovation, and enabling ecosystems for future digitalisation and development of sustainable solutions.

The Private 5G Wireless Network, includes leading-edge Nokia Modular Private Wireless (MPW), Compact Mobility Unit (CMU) and Radio Access Network (RAN)

"Edzcom and Nokia are the valued partners chosen for this long-term strategic collaboration due to their extensive experience in private wireless networks and their commitment to join us on this journey ahead. Callio recognizes the importance of agility and adaptability in today's fast-paced digital landscape. Through this partnership, we are confident in our ability to make dynamic changes that optimize our network infrastructure and propel us towards greater efficiency and innovation," said Sakari Nokela, Chief Development Officer at Callio Pyhäjärvi.

"We have full confidence that this project will bring about transformative changes not only to the mining industry but also to the community of Pyhäjärvi. Callio firmly believes in the power of innovation and technology to drive positive impact. We chose Edzcom as they are the undisputed leader in Private Networks with over 20 references in Finland including a portfolio of top leader industries", said Henrik Kiviniemi, Town Manager.

Nokia revealed last March that it and Chile-based mining company Antofagasta Minerals have deployed an industrial-grade private wireless network with Antofagasta Minerals to support secure and reliable operations at the Minera Centinela copper mine in Chile.

https://www.miningmagazine.com/surface-mining/news/1428394/nokia-antofagasta-deploy-wireless-network