Nokia Helps Boldyn Networks Provide Mining Security and Efficiency for Calio through Private 5G

Nokia has partnered with Boldyn Networks to deploy a private 5G network at Callio FutureNINE in Pyhäjärvi, Finland, turning one of Europe’s deepest mines into a testing ground for next-generation mining innovation. Callio was a copper mine that has been in operation for over 60 years. And now it provides a real underground environment for technology companies to test and validate their equipment.

Underground mines are one of the most extreme challenges in the field of communication: deep, intricate tunnels, harsh environments, and constant movement of personnel and equipment, making stable communication particularly difficult. Boldyn’s private 5G solution is based on Nokia’s modular private wireless (MPW) design. And it can be flexibly expanded in the most demanding environments, achieving seamless high-performance coverage of multiple underground levels, total length of several kilometers, and tunnels up to 1.5 kilometers deep. High bandwidth and ultra-low latency support advanced mining applications, making operations safer, smarter, and more efficient.

Henrik Kiviniemi, Managing Director of Callio Pyhäjärvi, said, “We are redefining the possibilities of mining. With the right technology, all operations can be completed on the ground, not only smarter but also safer. Our mission is to upgrade this unique 1.5-kilometer-deep site into a world-class testing platform for developing and validating next-generation automation and safety solutions. In the mining industry, connectivity is crucial. Private 5G provides real-time data and ultra-low latency, ensuring that every person and device is within view and protected. The cost of downtime is high. And the risk of manual processes is enormous, while private 5G solves both of these problems simultaneously.”

Multiple next-generation technology tests have been initiated on-site:

Automation and remote control vehicles: The network supports remote control of autonomous vehicles and machinery from the ground. And this reduces the risk of personnel entering the well and improving safety. At the same time, it can reduce downtime, improve equipment utilization, and validate the new generation of mining technology in a real controlled environment.

Voice communication: Private 5G replaces old walkie talkies and provides always on mobile connectivity. Workers can communicate clearly and instantly in any well, at any depth, and on the ground, significantly improving safety, coordination, and emergency response speed.

Real time visualization and positioning: With the support of private 5G, software company Cybercube is testing its integrated 3D modeling, real-time positioning, and operational control solution to build a mine digital twin that tracks personnel, vehicles, and equipment positions in real time. This enhances situational awareness, safety, and efficiency. In underground areas with GPS failure, the system can still issue evacuation alerts and plan safe passages for users.

Remarks

Aki Ruotsalainen, Director and Partner of Cybercube Oy, said, “With our platform, we can visualize and control personnel, vehicles, equipment, and sensors in real time. This is a huge leap in security and operational perception. Being able to test on a dedicated network under real conditions is transformative for our solution development.”

Global leading mining technology manufacturer Normet is also testing autonomous vehicles at Callio. Mark Ryan, Vice President of Equipment and New Technologies at Normet, pointed out that “as mining depth increases, technological challenges become increasingly severe. The safest and most efficient way is to have people leave the underground and achieve remote operations. In the future, with full automation, 90% of underground workers can operate on the ground, but this requires a dedicated 5G network. Open Wi Fi or shared networks are unreliable underground and may experience latency and performance degradation. So it is necessary to build private networks specifically designed for these processes.”

Jaakko Kuukka, Nordic Country Manager at Boldyn Networks, said, “We have designed and deployed a seamless private 5G network in Callio based on Nokia technology, achieving seamless connectivity and full coverage of multiple underground mining levels. This network is the backbone of Callio’s fully automated experimental mine. It can support all needs from remote control of vehicles to real-time control of underground machinery. And it allows mining enterprises to rely on reliable network testing and develop next-generation solutions in real environments without interfering with production.”

Michael Aspinall, Head of Edge Sales at Nokia’s European Enterprise Campus, added: “Mining is one of the most challenging connected environments on Earth. And private 5G is becoming a game changer. We collaborate with Boldyn Networks to assist Callio in demonstrating how secure, reliable, and high-performance networks can transform underground operations – making them safer, more sustainable, and more efficient. This deployment once again proves Nokia’s leading position in delivering industrial grade private wireless networks and empowering the future of key industries.”