Vertical: Mining
Application:
Ecosystem: Nokia, TPG Telecom
Private Network: LTE
TPG Telecom has deployed a private LTE network at Yancoal’s Mount Thorley Warkworth (MTW) mine site in the Hunter Valley. The project, in partnership with Nokia, has significantly enhanced on-site mobile network coverage, driving productivity and efficiency improvements through real-time fleet management.
Yancoal, a leading Australian coal mining company with 11 sites in the country, faced significant connectivity challenges at its MTW mine site, hindering effective communication and real-time monitoring of its fleet and equipment. Prior to TPG’s involvement, the mine operated with only 60% network coverage, relying on a wireless network that was unreliable and not suitable for the demands of a large-scale mining operation.
To address these challenges, TPG Telecom, in collaboration with Nokia, implemented an enterprise-grade private LTE network over a 12-month period. The network uses low-band spectrum and operates alongside TPG’s public network, providing extensive coverage across the open cut mine. The deployment leverages 4G LTE technology to ensure real-time data management in the mining environment. The increased network coverage to approximately 99% has enabled Yancoal to track and communicate with its fleet of trucks, dozers, and draglines in real-time. This newfound connectivity has significantly reduced downtime, improved fleet efficiency, and optimized loading, queuing, and delivery times across the entire pit. The network will also implement collision awareness and fatigue management systems, further enhancing the company’s commitment to safety.
“This is a game- changer for Mount Thorley Warkworth. Improved connectivity means we can track and communicate with our vehicles and equipment in real- time, helping us decrease downtime and improve the efficiency of our fleet,” said Yancoal ICT general manager Graham Slattery.
The low latency and high-speed coverage has also enabled Yancoal personnel to upgrade to wireless-enabled devices, allowing them to securely communicate through the corporate network without experiencing connection dropouts or blackspots. This seamless connectivity has replaced the need for pen and paper, empowering teams to connect with the corporate network from anywhere on site.
