Vertical: Mining
Application: Worker safety, equipment monitoring, process automation, video, drones
Ecosystem: Vodafone Spain
Private Network: 4G, 5G
Deep beneath the earth in Navarra, Spain, a technological revolution is taking shape. Vodafone Spain and mining company Geoalcali are partnering to implement a comprehensive private network solution that promises to reshape underground operations at the Muga mine.
This ambitious project will serve over 1,800 workers across construction and operational phases, bringing robust connectivity to one of the most challenging industrial environments. The network’s reach extends to the deepest recesses of the mine, where traditional communication methods often falter.
At its core, the solution combines private 4G and 5G technologies to create a seamless communication fabric. Workers will have access to voice services with roaming capabilities, data connectivity, and push-to-talk systems – essential tools for coordination in hazardous underground conditions. The network’s infrastructure includes strategically placed nodes throughout the mine, ensuring consistent coverage even in the most remote areas.
Beyond basic connectivity, this deployment enables a suite of advanced applications. Video surveillance systems will monitor operations in real-time, while drone-based monitoring provides unprecedented visibility of the mine’s vast expanse. A digital twin implementation will allow operators to visualize and optimize operations with remarkable precision.
The impact on safety cannot be overstated. Real-time communication between teams and operators, combined with immediate access to critical data, significantly reduces operational risks. The network’s robust infrastructure supports remote machinery control and process automation, minimizing human exposure to hazardous situations while maintaining operational efficiency.
Vodafone Spain’s implementation includes redundant connectivity links and fiber-optic network access, ensuring the highest levels of reliability. This comprehensive approach to industrial connectivity serves as a blueprint for other sectors seeking to modernize their operations through private network technology.
