Fifth Generation Cellular Networks for Underground Block Cave Mining: A Position Paper

In this position paper we put forward the case for the fifth generation of cellular networks (5G) to be the successor for WiFi in underground mining. 5G promises increases in bit rates, a redesign of the Radio Access Network, low energy consumption for sensor communications and very low latencies. These make it a potentially attractive technology for underground mining, particularly Block Cave mining. Block Cave mining is a large scale form of underground mining. The communications needs of Block Cave mining span a wide range of data rates, latency requirements and distances. Underground mining is becoming more automated requiring increasingly more sophisticated communications technologies able to transmit high volumes of data quickly. It is also becoming more reliant on sensor technologies which, although generating little traffic, must survive using battery power for very long periods of time. 5G is a suitable technology for this wide range of applications. In the past the very great expense associated with base station deployment and maintenance has limited cellular use underground. However, the 5G Radio Access Network has been completely redesigned making 5G cellular a potentially more economic proposition than previous cellular generations. 5G also makes available very large amounts of bandwidth which potentially makes possible increased use of video and highly accurate and quick localisation underground. This paper provides an overview of 5G and then summarises the processes involved in Block Cave mining and the challenges the environment presents for communications technologies. The paper then shows how 5G can meet the requirements of underground mining and how the redesign of the Radio Access Network make 5G cellular networking a much more economical proposition than previous generations.