Epiroc and Ericsson say they are joining forces through a global agreement to scale LTE and 5G connectivity for the mining industry.
Under the agreement, Epiroc will offer Ericsson’s technology through its customer centres worldwide, strengthening its portfolio in connectivity and digital solutions for mining. The offering is designed for both underground and surface operations as customers continue to advance automation, digitalisation and operational performance.
The collaboration broadens Epiroc’s portfolio of technology-agnostic digital and automation solutions and gives customers access to connectivity that is increasingly important for safe, efficient and productive operations, it says. By combining Ericsson’s leadership in cellular technology with Epiroc’s strong global presence and extensive knowledge of mining applications and customer needs, the partnership provides customers with a unified solution for deploying foundational wireless networks.
Paul Bergström, President of Epiroc’s Digital Solutions division, said: “Connectivity is becoming increasingly important as mining companies advance automation and digitalisation throughout their operations. Together with Ericsson, we are strengthening our offering and helping customers build the robust communications infrastructure needed to enable safer, more efficient and more productive mining operations.”
Pankaj Malhotra, Head of Product and Engineering, Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions, added: “This collaboration is about enabling real operational impact for mining customers – safer operations, higher productivity and greater efficiency. By providing the connectivity foundation behind Epiroc’s digital and automation solutions, we are helping mining companies modernise operations at scale. Our partnership with Epiroc is an important step in building the connected ecosystems that modern industrial enterprises depend on.”
Communications infrastructure is playing an increasingly important role as mines deploy more connected equipment, remote operations, telemetry and digital tools. Through this collaboration, Epiroc further strengthens its position as a productivity partner, supporting customers not only with solutions such as automation, situational awareness, collision avoidance and data-enabled machines, but also with the connectivity foundation required to scale these capabilities, Epiroc says. This foundational connectivity is what unlocks the full value of Epiroc’s advanced digital portfolio.
The agreement builds on a collaboration established in 2018, when Epiroc and Ericsson signed a cooperation agreement to explore how LTE and 5G technologies could be applied in mining operations. This next step expands Epiroc’s ability to support customers in adopting advanced connectivity solutions across the global mining industry.