The Ambra team has again realised a first by remotely controlling a Cat R2900G LHD located 3 km underground, using LTE technology, at the Agnico Eagle LaRonde gold mine. Ultra-deep mines are constantly striving to increase efficiency and productivity as their mines get deeper.

Ambra states: “LTE technology is the most reliable and cost-effective solution for covering an entire mine with high-speed data, high-definition voice, IoT and Push-to-Talk solutions. Without LTE technology, remotely operating equipment involves the deployment of multiple localised Wi-Fi access points, as well as a constant relocation of the hardware that is adapted to the area. LTE ubiquitous coverage allows mining customers to remotely operate equipment anywhere within their mine. This is a turning point in operation optimisation as it allows mining companies to maintain and even increase optimised production during shift change and after each blast.”

LHD operators can now work safely from a controlled environment at the surface using technology enabled solutions like Cat Command for underground. Remote control operation increases production time, accessibility and safety.