Newmont, the world’s largest gold miner, has just flipped the switch on a technological leap that could redefine mining operations globally. At its Cadia gold-copper mine in New South Wales, Newmont has deployed Ericsson Private 5G technology, enabling the world’s first remote-controlled dozer fleet powered by 5G. This isn’t just a local upgrade; it’s a significant stride in Newmont’s global digital transformation journey.
The move addresses a long-standing nemesis of mining operations: connectivity. Previous Wi-Fi systems at Cadia could only connect two machines simultaneously within a 100-metre range, often leading to instability, downtime, and productivity hits. In some cases, half of a 12-hour shift was wasted on re-establishing connectivity. But with Ericsson Private 5G, Newmont can now operate its entire fleet of dozers across a 2.5-kilometre construction area using just a single 5G radio. The network supports up to 12 machines simultaneously, with no communication outages or performance degradation. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety and efficiency.
“Ericsson’s Private 5G network gives us a scalable and high-performing solution that provides the coverage needed and keeps our people safe,” said Chris Twaddle, Newmont’s Director of Process Control, Networks and Operational Cellular. “It’s also enabling our long-term digital transformation vision to use 5G for smart mining at our Tier One surface and underground mines globally.”
The technology behind this leap is impressive. Newmont has deployed Ericsson’s 5G Antenna Integrated Radio with Massive MIMO technology, leveraging mid-band spectrum more effectively than traditional radios. This boosts network capacity and distance. Additionally, Ericsson’s Uplink Booster feature increases uplink signal strength tenfold, supporting high-bandwidth applications like remote control operations and real-time video feedback.
This deployment isn’t just a win for Newmont; it’s a testament to 5G’s potential in industrial operations. “The deployment with Newmont at Cadia demonstrates the power of 5G for industry,” said Manish Tiwari, Head of Enterprise 5G, Enterprise Wireless Solutions at Ericsson. “This also allows enterprises to use private 5G networks they own to achieve high levels of performance for advanced video-based control and computer vision initiatives without large amounts of spectrum.”
So, what does this mean for the mining sector? It’s a wake-up call. If the largest gold miner in the world is investing in 5G for its operations, others should take note. This isn’t about keeping up with the Joneses; it’s about staying competitive in an increasingly digital world. It’s about improving safety, efficiency, and productivity. It’s about embracing the future.
Newmont’s success at Cadia is likely to spur similar 5G implementations at other major sites around the world. The company’s broader digital transformation strategy includes advanced automation and connectivity across its global operations. This is just the beginning. The mining sector is on the cusp of a 5G revolution, and it’s happening right now, right under our feet.
