How to deliver safer and more productive mines with precise positioning and private 5G

The problem: Dangerous “blind spots”   

In mining, control begins with knowing exactly where everything is. Not approximately. Not in certain zones. Not only in open sky. Precisely. Continuously. Everywhere. 

From underground tunnels to vast open pits, real-time positioning underpins safety, coordination, asset utilization, and autonomous operations. 

But achieving that level of visibility is harder than it sounds. 

• GNSS works well in open pits — but fails underground and indoors. 

• Wi-Fi struggles with interference, maintenance burden, and large-scale coverage. 

• Proprietary RTLS systems require tags, fragmented infrastructure, and costly upkeep. 

The result is fragmented tracking — and fragmented tracking limits performance. 

In today’s mining environment, precise positioning is rapidly becoming essential infrastructure — not optional technology. 

The solution: Why precise positioning changes everything  

Precise positioning provides real-time awareness of where people, vehicles, and critical assets are located — across surface, underground, and enclosed facilities. Precise positioning is not theoretical; in fact it directly enables measurable improvements across core mining workflows with the following benefits: 

• Blast-zone verification: Ensures personnel and equipment are clear before blasting, reducing delays and enhancing safety. 

• Collision avoidance: Detects hazards in tight corridors or high-traffic zones before incidents occur. 

• Emergency mustering: Locates personnel instantly during emergencies to speed response. 

• Fleet optimization: Tracks machinery to reduce idle time and maximize throughput. 

• Remote and autonomous operations: Operates vehicles safely without exposing humans to high-risk zones 

When location intelligence is accurate and always available, mines move from reactive safety management to proactive operational control. 

But delivering that level of precision — especially underground — has historically been difficult. 

That’s where network-native 5G positioning changes the model.

Mining without blind spots: How 5G precise indoor positioning drives 
safety and productivity

Read the paper

A unified network for connectivity and positioning  

Ericsson Private 5G combines connectivity and positioning in a single network architecture.  
 
Using advanced positioning methods such as Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA) and Angle of Arrival (AoA), the network calculates device locations with ~1–3 meter accuracy — even in underground environments. 

Leaky feeder cables create continuous RF corridors in tunnels. Radio Dot units provide coverage in workshops and complex areas. Outdoor radios track equipment seamlessly across open pits. 

Instead of layering multiple tracking systems on top of communications infrastructure, positioning is built into the network itself. 

The result: One source of truth for operational visibility. 

Why this model is different 

Traditional tracking solutions often create more complexity; however, network-native 5G positioning simplifies. 

Some of the structural advantages include: 

• Device-agnostic tracking: Any 5G-enabled device — handset, wearable, tablet, or machine modem — can be located. No proprietary tags are required. 

• Lower total cost of ownership: Positioning does require any additional infrastructure, reducing overlay systems and maintenance burden. 

• Standards-based and future-proof: Built on 3GPP technology for compatibility and long-term scalability. 

• Integration-ready architecture: Open APIs allow positioning data to feed fleet systems, safety dashboards, emergency platforms, and digital twins. 

Deployment: Start small, scale strategically   

Implementing precise positioning doesn’t require a full-site overhaul from day one. 

A structured approach typically includes: 

• Align on KPIs: Prioritize high‑value zones and measurable outcomes (e.g., blast clearance minutes saved, incident rate, OEE lift). 

• Right‑size the network: Underground leaky feeders + Radio Dots; surface radios for ramps and benches; design for redundancy. 

• Integrate via open APIs: Feed positioning to fleet, safety, CMMS, and digital twin platforms with role‑based access and audit trails. 

• Pilot, validate, scale: Prove out in one zone; tune geofences and alerts; expand with templates across pits, tunnels, plants, and camps. 

• Train and embed: Operational workflows and change management to make location intelligence part of daily decisions. 

From blind spots to operational intelligence   

Precise positioning is not just a safety enhancement — it’s a foundational capability. 

With one unified platform, mines can verify blasts faster, reduce collisions, improve mustering, boost utilization, and prepare for automation—safely and at lower TCO. 
 
In today’s environment of rising costs, regulatory scrutiny, and operational complexity, operating with blind spots is no longer sustainable. 

Continuous visibility is becoming the baseline for modern mining. 

Ready to explore how private 5G can transform your mining connectivity and positioning strategy? 

Mining without blind spots: How 5G precise indoor positioning drives 
safety and productivity

Read the paper

Learn more about Ericsson's connected mining solutions: Improve mining operations with smart mining - Ericsson