Epiroc and Ericsson have penned a global agreement to expand LTE and 5G connectivity in the mining industry. As part of the deal, Epiroc will provide Ericsson’s technology through its customer centers worldwide with the goal of enhancing its portfolio of connectivity and digital mining offerings. The partnership supports both underground and surface operations as customers pursue greater automation, digitalization, and operational efficiency. 

The deal expands Epiroc’s portfolio of technology-agnostic digital and automation solutions and aims to give customers access to connectivity that is increasingly important for safe, efficient, and productive operations, the company said. By combining Ericsson’s cellular technology with Epiroc’s strong global presence in mining applications and customer needs, the partnership aims to provide customers with a unified platform for deploying foundational wireless networks.

Communications infrastructure is playing an increasingly significant role as more connected equipment, remote operations, telemetry, and digital tools are deployed by mining companies. The goal is to strengthen Epiroc’s offering and “help customers build the robust communications infrastructure needed to enable safer, more efficient, and more productive mining operations,” said Paul Bergström, president of Epiroc’s Digital Solutions division.

The collaboration is about enabling real operational impact for mining customers, including safer operations, higher productivity, and greater efficiency,’’ said Pankaj Malhotra, head of product and engineering in Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions. “By providing the connectivity foundation behind Epiroc’s digital and automation solutions, we are helping mining companies modernize operations at scale.”

This is a key step in building the connected ecosystems that modern industrial enterprises depend on, Malhotra added. 

The agreement builds on a 2018 partnership Epiroc and Ericsson signed to explore how LTE and 5G technologies could be applied in mining operations. This next step expands Epiroc’s ability to support customers in adopting advanced connectivity offerings across the global mining industry.

Epiroc designs and manufactures heavy equipment, advanced tools, and smart software for the mining, infrastructure, and natural resources industries. Ericsson is a multinational networking and telecommunications company that provides the foundational hardware, software, and services needed for global mobile and fixed connectivity