Tag: Automation

  • Boldyn Networks and Nokia Launch Private 5G to Revolutionize Mining at Callio Pyhäjärvi

    Boldyn Networks and Nokia Launch Private 5G to Revolutionize Mining at Callio Pyhäjärvi

    Boldyn Networks, in collaboration with Nokia, has deployed a private 5G network at the Callio FutureMINE site in Pyhäjärvi, Finland. The project transforms one of Europe’s deepest mines into a next-generation testbed for mining innovation.

    The site, which operated as a copper mine for more than 60 years, now provides a real-world environment for technology companies to trial and validate mining equipment.

    Underground mines present some of the most extreme challenges for communications. Their depth, complex tunnel structures, and harsh conditions make reliable connectivity difficult to achieve. The Boldyn solution, powered by Nokia’s Modular Private Wireless (MPW), is designed to deliver stable, high-performance coverage across multiple underground levels and a tunnel system stretching several kilometres to depths of up to 1.5 kilometres. The network offers ultra-low latency and high bandwidth, enabling the deployment of advanced mining applications that improve safety, automation, and operational efficiency.

    The private 5G system forms the foundation of Callio’s ambition to operate as a fully automated test mine. It enables the remote control of machinery and vehicles from the surface, reducing the need for personnel in hazardous environments while maximising productivity and minimising downtime.

    Several advanced technologies are already being tested at the facility. Automation and tele-remote systems allow autonomous vehicles and equipment to be operated from above ground, supporting safer and more efficient mining. A next-generation voice communication system replaces outdated walkie-talkies with reliable mobile connectivity across all levels of the mine, enhancing coordination and response times.

    In addition, Finnish software firm Cybercube is testing digital twin and real-time positioning technology, which integrates 3D mapping with operational control. This provides continuous visibility of personnel, vehicles, and assets in environments where GPS is unavailable. Such tools improve situational awareness, evacuation planning, and overall safety management.

    The deployment demonstrates how secure, industrial-grade 5G networks can meet the unique demands of mining. By enabling automation, real-time control, and continuous communications, the Callio project showcases how next-generation connectivity can transform underground operations, making them safer, more sustainable, and more efficient.

  • Mining Faces an Uncertain Future Against AI, Experts Warn

    Mining Faces an Uncertain Future Against AI, Experts Warn

    The mining industry lags significantly behind in adopting artificial intelligence (AI), creating vulnerabilities as AI advancements rapidly transform industries globally. According to experts, while AI-driven efficiencies could enhance exploration, processing, and predictive maintenance, few mining companies are leveraging these technologies to their full potential. This gap presents an existential threat, as data-driven decision-making and automation in mining could reduce costs, enhance safety, and improve productivity. Without integrating AI, the mining sector risks falling behind in innovation and competitiveness, impacting future profitability and sustainability.

  • AMMC and Navoiyuran: cooperation in the field of digital transformation

    AMMC and Navoiyuran: cooperation in the field of digital transformation

    On August 17 of this year, the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Plant was visited by a delegation of representatives of the state enterprise “Navoiyuran” engaged in activities in the field of digitalization.

    In the executive office of the plant, a meeting was held between the Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC “Almalyk MMC” for digitalization Abdulla Azizov, profile specialists of the plant with representatives of the state enterprise “Navoiyuran”.

    During the meeting, the guests were provided with information about the work carried out as part of the digital transformation of the AGMK. According to A. Azizov, during the past year, the plant implemented 48 projects (23 of them planned, 25 unplanned) in this direction. These are projects related to the improvement of business process management systems, automation of the mining and transport complex and production automation. This year, more than 40 projects and other tasks are planned to be implemented. Of these, 17 have already been implemented (business process management – 5, infrastructure and cybersecurity – 4, production management – 2 and process automation – 6). For example, in order to improve the efficiency of the management system and digitalization of office work in the department of road transport, an information system for managing vehicles and logistics (Transport Management System) was introduced, through which more than 1,000 units of vehicles and equipment are monitored. Also, the submission and acceptance of applications for transport is carried out completely electronically.

    In accordance with the concept of paperless office work (Paperless work) and a unified identification system, the AMMC introduced the E-Talon information system, within which more than 36,000 employees were provided with new ID-cards. As a result, the amount of paper work has been reduced, and the reporting process now takes less than 7 times less time. More than 20 electronic templates have been created in the information system “Journals”. The system made it possible to keep 70% of paper journals in electronic form and analyze the data.

    Thanks to the information system of interactive dashboards (BI), the speed of automatic collection and processing of “online” information of production and business processes, as well as various automated systems, has increased by 80%. 6 types of paper reports were digitized, which reduced the time of their formation by 3 times.

    Also introduced: digital archive (paper consumption reduced by 25%); project management system (25% more efficient management, analysis and control); a new digital radio station at the Yoshlik I quarry (100 vehicles and 35 workers are provided with radio communications); IP telephony in the Kochbulak, Semguron and Kairagach mines (10 km of fiber optic communication lines have been laid).

    In order to automate production processes and use modern information systems, 27 modern digital strain gauges were installed at the copper processing plant. This made it possible to achieve an accuracy of measuring the weight of ore in the technological process up to 99.8%. Also, in order to automate the technological process of the seventh monosection, 405 instrumentation and 26 control cabinets were installed. Adjusted and put into operation 320 dosing pumps and 14 new tanks for reagents.

    Together with specialists from Metso-Outotec and Engineering Dobersek, the uninterrupted operation of the control system, instrumentation of the Vanyukov furnace and the sulfuric acid shop of the copper smelter was ensured.

    As part of the introduction of automatic control of mills (SAU-3M) in the Khandiza mining department, instrumentation cabinets were completely updated, which made it possible for the operator to control deviations from the technological regulations and monitor the state of the technological equipment.

    During the visit, the guests also visited the Kalmakyr mining department, a copper processing plant, where they could personally observe the operation of all information technology systems introduced as part of digitalization.

    Thus, the representatives of the delegation were familiarized in detail with the ERP, SCADA, LIMS, SAP systems, as well as programs for monitoring and analyzing production processes and data.

    – “Today we managed to witness the active work carried out at the AMMC in the field of information technology. Currently, our company pays great attention to the processes of digitalization of production. During the visit, we managed to learn a lot of new and useful things for ourselves. We also decided to purchase software systems from AGMK for their further implementation at home. Another important point that we drew attention to is that the processes of digitalization at the AGMK are proceeding quite quickly. And it pays off at a relatively low cost. We plan to further strengthen our cooperation with the plant,” Khasan Khaydarov, Deputy General Director for Transformation of Navoiyuran Group of Companies, shared his impressions of the visit.

    It should be noted that the purpose of this visit is to ensure the implementation of the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated July 14, 2022 No. PP-319 “On measures to increase the volume of production, processing of uranium and the transformation of the State Enterprise Navoiyuran in 2022-2030”.