Mission-critical mobile broadband communications in open-pit mines

Abstract

The need for continuous safety improvements and increased operational efficiency is driving the mining industry through a transition toward automated operations. From a communications perspective, this transition introduces a new set of high-bandwidth business-critical and mission-critical applications that need to be met by the wireless network. This article introduces fundamental concepts behind open-pit mining and discusses why this ever-changing environment and strict industrial reliability requirements pose unique challenges to traditional broadband network planning and optimization techniques. On the other hand, unlike unpredictable disaster scenarios, mining is a carefully planned activity. Taking advantage of this predictability element, we propose a framework that integrates mine and radio network planning so that continuous and automated adaptation of the radio network becomes possible. The potential benefits of this framework are evaluated by means of an illustrative example.

5G in Open-Pit Mines: Considerations on Large-Scale Propagation in Sub-6 GHz Bands

“…Differences between macro and small layers can also be exploited on the design of ultrareliable heterogeneous wireless networks in open-pit mines. For example, in co-channel deployments, high path loss exponents provide a natural isolation from interference [3].…”

“…In fact, large-scale automation initiatives are already a reality at mine sites around the world [3]. New applications such as autonomous haulage systems (AHS), teleoperated bulldozers and excavators pose much more strict requirements in terms of network availability, accessibility, reliability, capacity and latency when compared to previous applications [4], [5].…”

“…For example, open-pit mines are outdoor scenarios, usually kilometers wide, and hundreds of meters deep. Furthermore, due to the nature of the mining activity, the scenario changes on a daily basis, also modifying the propagation environment [3].…”

Multihoming for Mobile Internet of Multimedia Things

“…For some of the above-mentioned services, the video quality [56] becomes essential in the case of Critical Communications. For example, video analytics could be used in a restricted area (like an oil plant) to monitor the mobile workforce and signal when employees are in a dangerous situation ("man down" scenario).…”

Radio propagation in open-pit mines: A first look at measurements in the 2.6 GHz band

“…But, given the mobile nature of surface mining equipment, wireless networks have taken center stage as they form the backbone of unmanned operations. As such, proper planning and constant optimization can no longer be overlooked [2], [3].…”