Powering the future of mining with a private 5G network

Nokia and Boldyn Networks have deployed a private 5G network at the Callio FutureMINE site in Pyhäjärvi, Finland, transforming one of Europe’s deepest mines into a next-generation testbed for mining innovation. Formerly a fully operational copper mine for over 60 years, Callio now provides a real-world mining environment where technology companies can test and validate their equipment.

Underground mines pose some of the most extreme challenges for connectivity. Their depth, complex tunnel networks, harsh environmental conditions, and the constant movement of people and machinery make stable communication difficult.

“Mining is one of the toughest environments on Earth for connectivity, and private 5G is proving to be a game changer,” noted 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.”

The private 5G solution, designed by Boldyn to scale and adapt to the most demanding environments and delivered by Nokia Modular Private Wireless (MPW), provides seamless, high-performance connectivity across multiple underground levels and a vast tunnel network stretching several kilometres and reaching depths of up to 1.5 km. With high bandwidth and ultralow latency, the network supports advanced mining applications, enabling smarter and more efficient operations.

“We have designed and deployed a seamless private 5G network, based on Nokia technology, at the Callio site,” said Jaakko Kuukka, Country Manager Nordics at Boldyn Networks. “The network delivers seamless connectivity and full coverage across multiple underground mining levels. 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. We’re enabling mining companies to test and develop next-generation solutions against a reliable network in realistic conditions, without disrupting live operations.”

“With the right technology, operations can be fully managed from the surface, making mining not only smarter, but significantly safer,” added Henrik Kiviniemi, Managing Director of Callio Pyhäjärvi. “Our mission is to transform this unique 1.5 km-deep site into a world-class testbed where the next generation of automation and safety solutions can be developed and validated.”

Next-generation technology is already being tested at the facility. For example, the network enables the remote operation of autonomous vehicles and machinery from the surface, reducing the need for personnel to work in hazardous underground conditions. This shift improves worker safety and increases productivity by minimising downtime and maximising equipment utilisation. It also supports the development and testing of next-generation mining technologies in realistic, controlled environments.

The private 5G network also replaces outdated walkie-talkie systems with always-on mobile connectivity. Workers can now communicate clearly and instantly across all mine levels, even in the most remote areas and from above ground. This significantly improves safety, coordination and response times in critical situations.

Finally, powered by private 5G networks, software company Cybercube is testing its integrated 3D mapping, real-time positioning and operational control. It creates a digital twin of the mine, allowing teams to monitor the location of personnel, vehicles and equipment in real time. This unified view enhances situational awareness, safety and operational efficiency — especially in environments where GPS is unavailable. Evacuation alerts can be dispatched while keeping track of users and providing instant routes to safety zones.

“With our software platform, we can visualise and control everything in real time — from people and vehicles to equipment and sensors,” said Aki Ruotsalainen, Director and Partner at Cybercube Oy. “It’s a huge leap in safety and operational awareness. Being able to test this in real conditions on a dedicated network has been transformational in the development of our solution.”

Mining technology manufacturer Normet is also testing autonomous vehicles at Callio. As explained by Mark Ryan, VP of Equipment Offering & New Technology at Normet, “The technical challenges of mining are increasing as companies go deeper. 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. You get latency issues, performance drops — so having a private network built for these processes is a must.”

“In mining, connectivity is critical,” Kiviniemi concluded. “Our private 5G network delivers real-time data and ultralow latency, ensuring every person and asset is visible and protected. Downtime is expensive. Manual processes are risky. With private 5G, we’re solving both.”

Images: Supplied.