How Nokia and Boldyn are Transforming Mining with Private 5G
A former mine in Pyhäjärvi, Finland, has been repurposed into a live testing environment for new mining technologies.
The facility, Callio FutureMINE, is the site of a new partnership between Nokia and Boldyn Networks, which has deployed a private 5G network to provide high-performance connectivity throughout the site, which has been operational for more than 60 years.
The mine offers a unique setting for technology companies to validate next-generation equipment under authentic operational conditions.
Underground mining presents a range of complex challenges for network connectivity. The depth of the mine, extensive tunnel networks and the constant movement of personnel and machinery are hurdles to maintaining stable communication.
The private 5G solution, designed by Boldyn Networks and using Nokia’s Modular Private Wireless (MPW) technology, is engineered to meet these demands, providing connectivity across multiple underground levels and tunnels that extend to a depth of 1.5km.
Advancing automation and remote operations
The high bandwidth and low latency of the 5G network could support advanced applications that improve safety, efficiency and automation. These next-generation technologies are currently undergoing testing at the Callio site.
The network facilitates the remote operation of autonomous vehicles and machinery from the surface, which could reduce the need for workers to be present in underground environments. This has the potential to enhance safety and also improve productivity by minimising operational downtime.
Henrik Kiviniemi, Managing Director at Callio Pyhäjärvi, explains: “At Callio, we’re redefining what’s possible in mining. With the right technology, operations can be fully managed from the surface, making mining not only smarter but much safer."
Communication systems are also being upgraded. Traditional walkie-talkie systems are being phased out in favour of secure, always-on 5G voice connectivity.
This allows workers to communicate instantly across all levels of the mine, including in remote areas, ensuring better coordination and faster response times in critical situations.
Validating 5G for industry adoption
Global mining equipment manufacturer Normet is one of the industry leaders testing autonomous vehicles at Callio, with the company emphasising the importance of private 5G networks for the future of mining automation.
With our software platform, we can visualise and control everything in real time – from people and vehicles to equipment and sensors.
Mark Ryan, VP of Equipment Offering & New Technology at Normet, states: “The safest and most efficient path forward is removing people from those environments and enabling remote operation.
"A fully-automated future could see 90% of underground workers operating from the surface – but that requires dedicated 5G networks. Open Wi-Fi and shared networks just don’t work reliably underground."
This sentiment is shared by other technology partners involved in the project.
“With our software platform, we can visualise and control everything in real time – from people and vehicles to equipment and sensors,”adds Aki Ruotsalainen, Director and Partner at Cybercube Oy.
Defining the future of underground connectivity
Boldyn Networks views this private 5G deployment as the foundational infrastructure for Callio’s long-term strategy.
"We have designed and deployed a seamless private 5G network based on Nokia technology at the Callio site,” explains Jaakko Kuukka, Country Manager Nordics at Boldyn Networks.
"It’s the backbone of Callio’s vision for a fully automated test mine supporting everything from tele-remote vehicles to real-time control of underground machinery.”
Nokia also highlights how private 5G is changing the connectivity landscape in the mining sector.
“Mining is one of the toughest environments on earth for connectivity, and private 5G is proving to be a game-changer,” says Michael Aspinall, Head of Enterprise Campus Edge sales in Europe at Nokia.
“Together with Boldyn Networks, we are enabling Callio to demonstrate how secure, reliable and high-performance networks can transform underground operations: making them safer, more sustainable and more efficient.”
The collaboration at the Callio site is setting a new standard for industrial connectivity. It demonstrates how private 5G can enable operational efficiencies, safer working conditions and the advancement of automation technologies that are set to influence the future of the global mining industry.
