Rio Tinto has chosen Alcatel-Lucent to install a private 4G LTE network at its West Angelas mine in the Pilbara for its existing operations and business.
The improved connectivity will be used for in-pit mining operations, such as safety systems and asset monitoring.
A fibre backbone by Alcatel-Lucent will also provide a network management solution and professional services.
Alcatel-Lucent has not revealed how much the deal is worth, but the <i>AFR</i> has reported the deal would be worth $2 million to $3 million.
“This is the first deployment of its kind and is a result of a collaborative and interactive process with Rio Tinto. It will provide a strong foundation for any future rollouts of private LTE networks to enhance operations at other locations,” Sean O’Halloran, president and managing director of Alcatel-Lucent Australia, said in a statement.
The Pilbara region in Western Australia is known for its iron ore reserves, with Rio Tinto planning to grow its operations in the area to 353 million tonnes by 2015.
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