Epiroc and Ericsson cooperate on optimizing wireless technology for mines
Stockholm, Sweden: Epiroc, a leading productivity partner for the mining, infrastructure and natural resources industries, has signed a cooperation agreement with leading communications technology provider Ericsson to jointly help mining companies achieve optimal wireless connectivity in their operations through LTE and 5G technologies.
Mining companies are increasingly seeking to digitalize and automate their operations to increase productivity, enhance operator safety and lower cost. This includes, for example, remotely operating machines from a control room, and collecting machine performance data to optimize use of the equipment. This creates a need for reliable, high-performance wireless connectivity at the mines. Epiroc and Ericsson have agreed to work together to provide mining customers with high-performing LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and 5G mobile technology solutions.
“We are happy to team up with Ericsson so that our mining customers can get the most reliable and high-performing wireless connectivity possible,” said Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s Senior Executive Vice President Mining and Infrastructure. “This is a crucial step in our ongoing work to ensure mining customers reap all the benefits, including higher productivity and better safety, made possible by digitalization and automation.”
“Cellular technology and the introduction of 5G is critical to realize the full value of digitalization and automatization for smart industries,” said Åsa Tamsons, Ericsson’s Senior Vice President and Head of Business Area Technologies & New Businesses. “This will open up for new business models and ecosystems across the mining industry, telecom services providers in each market, and Ericsson. By combining our expertise in connectivity and Epiroc’s cutting-edge technology in mining equipment, we will be able to ensure stable and secure mining operations, leading to increased utilization, improved productivity and reduced costs.”
Key advantages of LTE and 5G solutions compared with other wireless solutions include better coverage, higher reliability and stronger security, especially when machines are in the same area and share information. The technology, which is for both underground and open pit mines, has already been tested on Epiroc’s machines at the company’s test mine in Kvarntorp, Sweden. Further testing will be done before providing the solutions to customers.
For more information please contact:
Ola Kinnander, Media Relations Manager
+46 70 347 2455
media@epiroc.com
Helena Hedblom, Senior Executive Vice President Mining and Infrastructure
+46 10 755 0000
Epiroc is a leading productivity partner for the mining, infrastructure and natural resources industries. With cutting-edge technology, Epiroc develops and produces innovative drill rigs, rock excavation and construction equipment, and provides world-class service and consumables. The company is based in Stockholm, Sweden, had revenue of SEK 31.4 billion in 2017, and has more than 13 000 passionate people supporting and collaborating with customers in more than 150 countries. Learn more at www.epirocgroup.com.
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