Nokia and Boldyn’s 5G Solution for Mining

In the heart of Pyhäjärvi, Finland, one of Europe’s deepest mines is now a live testbed for mining innovation. Nokia and Boldyn Networks have jointly deployed a private 5G network at the Callio FutureMINE site, enabling real-world testing of autonomous vehicles, digital twins, and next-generation mining tools. With tunnels stretching kilometers underground and reaching depths of 1.5 km, Callio now sets the benchmark for safe and connected mining operations.

Connectivity Challenges in Underground Mining

Underground mining presents extreme connectivity challenges. The depth, constantly shifting machinery, and labyrinthine tunnels make traditional communication unreliable. Open Wi-Fi and shared networks struggle to deliver consistent performance in such harsh environments. Latency issues, signal drops, and a lack of visibility into underground operations increase operational risk and cost.

Nokia and Boldyn’s 5G Solution for Mining

Boldyn Networks designed a private 5G solution capable of scaling across the mine’s underground infrastructure. Delivered through Nokia’s Modular Private Wireless (MPW) platform, the network brings high-bandwidth, ultra-low-latency connectivity across several underground levels. It supports mission-critical mining applications like tele-remote vehicle control, worker tracking, and real-time operational insights — making fully remote surface-based management of mining operations possible.

Real-World 5G Use Cases at Callio Mine

The 5G network at Callio supports several advanced use cases:

• Automation and Tele-Remote Vehicles: Mining manufacturer Normet is testing autonomous machinery controlled from the surface. The goal is to eliminate the need for workers in hazardous areas while maximizing uptime.
• Voice Communications: Outdated walkie-talkies are being replaced with always-on mobile voice services. Workers can communicate instantly, even in isolated sections of the mine.
• Real-Time Visualization: Software firm Cybercube is piloting 3D mapping and operational control software that creates a digital twin of the mine. This enhances situational awareness by providing real-time personnel and equipment tracking, especially where GPS is unavailable.

Why Nokia’s MPW is Built for Mining Environments

Nokia’s Modular Private Wireless (MPW) solution is built specifically for industrial applications. With the ability to handle ultra-low latency and high-density environments, it ensures that communications remain stable and secure — even at 1.5 km below the surface. Combined with Boldyn Networks’ design expertise, the deployment serves as a showcase for 5G Private Networks in extreme environments.

Key Benefits of Private 5G in Mining

• Safety: Personnel can be relocated to the surface, reducing exposure to underground risks.
• Efficiency: Automation reduces downtime and improves machine utilization.
• Sustainability: Remote operations contribute to energy-efficient mining practices by reducing the need for on-site staff and associated support systems.
• Reliability: Unlike Wi-Fi, the private 5G network provides uninterrupted service critical to continuous mining operations.

What This 5G Deployment Means for the Mining Industry

This deployment underscores the growing role of Private Networks in industrial digital transformation. Mining, like utilities, ports, and manufacturing, is adopting Industrial 5G to enhance safety, reduce operational risk, and drive long-term value. The Callio testbed now serves as a blueprint for similar efforts worldwide.

Nokia’s Role in the Callio 5G Mining Network

Nokia provided the core infrastructure — its MPW product powering the entire system. Known for its leadership in Telco Cloud and Edge Computing, Nokia is helping industries adopt 5G in a meaningful, measurable way.

Boldyn Networks’ Expertise in Private 5G for Mining

Boldyn Networks, a global leader in neutral host infrastructure, handled the network design and deployment. With expertise from its acquisition of Finnish private wireless pioneer Edzcom, Boldyn ensured full underground coverage and reliability — even in the most challenging conditions.

Callio 5G Network: Fully Operational and Testing

The private 5G network is fully deployed and operational at Callio. Technologies such as autonomous vehicles, digital twins, and remote-control systems are already being tested by partners like Normet and Cybercube.

• March 2024: Boldyn Networks finalized the integration of Edzcom into its private networks division.
• Mid-2025: Network design and deployment completed at the Callio site.
• September 2025: Full operational capability announced and ecosystem testing initiated.

Industry Leaders on the Future of 5G-Powered Mining

“With our software platform, we can visualize and control everything in real time – from people and vehicles to equipment and sensors. It’s a huge leap in safety and operational awareness. Being able to test this in real conditions on a dedicated network has been transformational in the development of our solution,” said Aki Ruotsalainen, Director and Partner at Cybercube Oy.

World-leading mining technology manufacturer Normet is also testing autonomous vehicles at Callio.“The technical challenges of mining are increasing as companies go deeper. The safest and most efficient path forward is removing people from those environments and enabling remote operation. A fully automated future could see 90% of underground workers operating from the surface – but that requires dedicated 5G networks. Open Wi-Fi and shared networks just don’t work reliably underground. You get latency issues, performance drops – so having a private network built for these processes is a must, said Normet’s VP of Equipment Offering & New Technology, Mark Ryan.

“We have designed and deployed a seamless private 5G network, based on Nokia technology at the Callio site. The network delivers seamless connectivity and full coverage across multiple underground mining levels. It’s the backbone of Callio’s vision for a fully automated test mine, supporting everything from tele-remote vehicles to real-time control of underground machinery. We’re enabling mining companies to test and develop next-generation solutions against a reliable network in realistic conditions, without disrupting live operations,” said Jaakko Kuukka, Country Manager Nordics, Boldyn Networks.

“Mining is one of the toughest environments on earth for connectivity, and private 5G is proving to be a game-changer. Together with Boldyn Networks, we are enabling Callio to demonstrate how secure, reliable, and high-performance networks can transform underground operations —making them safer, more sustainable, and more efficient. This deployment underscores Nokia’s leadership in delivering industrial-grade private wireless networks that power the future of critical industries,” said Michael Aspinall, Head of Enterprise Campus Edge sales in Europe at Nokia.