Ambra Solutions has done it again. The team deployed a new 5G-ready LTE network for Tacora Resources’ Scully iron ore mine in Labrador, Canada, enabling the new fleet dispatch system. This installation is also the first time a global leader in fleet dispatch systems has been running fully on an LTE network in Canada. The network also has the distinction of being one of the first open pit LTE deployments outside of Australia, which pioneered LTE in mining when a network was put into Rio Tinto’s West Angelas iron ore mine in the Pilbara back in 2012.
This project is leveraging licensed band LTE technology to ensure interference-free wireless communication. Having designed, configured and tested offsite, the installation of the main infrastructure was complete within five days on site. According to a report done by a Wi-Fi mesh manufacturer, covering the open pit area of this mining site with mesh Wi-Fi would have taken more than 20 access points to support the fleet management system. The robust LTE network was designed to ensure minimal maintenance with only two fixed transmission sites.
The LTE solution increase efficiency by eliminating the need of moving trailers during blasting. Moreover, the cost of deploying LTE has been proven to be much lower than using a mesh Wi-Fi technology. The lower price and the impressive choice of LTE end devices (phones, sensors, modems) also makes this solution advantageous over Wi-Fi based technologies. This LTE network is entirely managed on-site and was configured precisely for Tacora’s needs.
Propagation of this private LTE network was required for the pit areas which represent 15 km square. Since the LTE technology is so powerful, the actual coverage is extended far beyond the pit. The two LTE transmission sites allow to cover more than 150 km square of coverage which represent more than 10 times the area being mined. This network will enable new IoT applications to monitor pumping stations and use low power Cat-M1 and NB-IoT sensors at multiples locations. Finally, this LTE network can be used to provide VoLTE and Push-to-Talk communication to all employees eliminating the need of a separate VHF or UHF system.
