Improving Safety in Underground Mining with LTE Technology

By: Michelle Murray

Underground mining can be a challenging environment for communication due to the presence of rock, dirt, and other materials that can interfere with or block radio signals, thus making technological improvements to underground environments important to ensure operations are safe, reliable, and efficient. One solution to this problem is to upgrade your underground operations by integrating Long-Term Evolution (LTE) communications.

LTE is a wireless communication standard that operates in the licensed frequency bands between 700 MHz and 6GHz. It can provide good coverage in most environments. In the mining industry, LTE is now being used across the globe to increase operational capabilities by providing a safe and secure way for miners to, access data, monitor ventilation, detect gasses, operate equipment, and stay connected to one another through handheld devices and real-time personnel tracking.

There are several different ways that LTE can be deployed in underground mining environments, depending on the specific needs and requirements of the client. One common approach is to use a network of underground Remote Radio Units, which are installed at strategic locations throughout the mine. By utilizing our world renown Leaky Feeder System, Becker Mining Systems brings an effective alternative to enabling LTE connectivity in mines through the integration of our smartcom® LTE Amplifiers and passives which offer a robust, costeffective option to extend the coverage of the RRUs.

By progressing operations towards LTE, we can provide mine-wide access to the data pipe and take advantage of its high-speed and very low latency to automate processes in underground mining which can greatly improve personnel safety by reducing the need for human workers to perform dangerous tasks. For example, the remote control or autonomous operation of mining equipment and haulage systems can be implemented to mine and transport ore and waste, while also improving situational awareness by providing real-time data on the location and status of personnel and equipment through tagging and tracking, thereby decreasing response times in case of emergency.

In conclusion, LTE technology can be a valuable tool in improving safety in underground mining operations. The improved communication and real-time monitoring provided by these networks, as well as the use of machine learning, can help to keep workers and equipment safe. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see even more ways in which LTE networks can be used to improve safety in mines.

For more information on how Becker Mining Systems can assist in implementing an LTE system within your mine. Please contact us at +1 705-674-8111 or info@ca.becker-mining.com.