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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM62306
Volume:
10 |
5 |
May 2026
Pages:
1-5
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
Independent Researcher
Ellicott City, MD, USA.
The mining industry is currently experiencing a paradigm shift toward "Mining 4.0," driven by the integration of automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and real-time data analytics. This transformation requires a communication infrastructure capable of providing ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) and massive machine-type communication (mMTC) in underground and remote locations. This research paper examines the deployment of Private 5G (P5G) Standalone (SA) networks as the core connectivity layer for modern mining. It compares the architectural benefits of 5G SA versus traditional Wi-Fi and LTE systems, focusing on network slicing and Mobile Edge Computing (MEC). The paper explores the physics of radio signal propagation in tunnel environments, referencing recent 2025 studies on multipath fading and waveguide effects. It also discusses the engineering standards required for hazardous explosive atmospheres (ATEX/IECEx) and assesses operational impacts through case studies of Rio Tinto, Boliden, and China Mobile. The results suggest that P5G deployments can increase equipment utilization by over 15% and greatly enhance safety by removing personnel from dangerous zones.
KEYWORDS
Private 5G networks represent a crucial upgrade for the mining industry, surpassing Wi-Fi and LTE to deliver deterministic, highly reliable connectivity. Although challenges like underground signal propagation and hazardous-area certification remain, recent advances in channel modeling and the development of intrinsically safe 5G devices have largely mitigated these issues. Early adopters such as Rio Tinto and Boliden have demonstrated that this technology significantly enhances asset utilization and safety while lowering operational costs. As the industry advances toward the fully autonomous "Mine of the Future," Private 5G will function as the vital nervous system connecting every sensor, machine, and worker.
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Publication Date
5/26/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this research work.
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