Nokia and Boldyn: What Private 5G Means for Mining

Nokia and Boldyn Networks have joined forces to deliver a private 5G network at the Callio FutureMINE site in Pyhäjärvi, Finland, turning one of Europe’s deepest former copper mines into a cutting-edge testbed for mining innovation.

Operating for more than 60 years, the mine now provides a unique environment where telcos can validate next-generation equipment in real-world conditions.

Meeting the challenges of underground connectivity

Underground mines remain one of the most complex environments for network performance. The depth, tunnel networks, harsh conditions and constant movement of people and machinery create significant obstacles for stable communication.

The private 5G solution, designed by Boldyn Networks and delivered by Nokia Modular Private Wireless (MPW), addresses these challenges.

The network offers high-performance connectivity across several underground levels and tunnels that extend 1.5 kilometres deep.

With high bandwidth and ultra-low latency, it supports advanced mining applications that improve safety, efficiency and automation.

“At Callio, we’re redefining what’s possible in mining. With the right technology, operations can be fully managed from the surface, making mining not only smarter, but significantly safer,” explained Henrik Kiviniemi, Managing Director, Callio Pyhäjärvi.

Driving automation and remote operations

Next-generation technologies are already under test at Callio. The private 5G network enables remote operation of autonomous vehicles and machinery from the surface, reducing underground exposure for workers. It enhances safety while improving productivity and minimising downtime.

The facility is further advancing communications. Traditional walkie-talkie systems are being replaced with secure, always-on 5G voice connectivity.

Workers can now communicate instantly across every level of the mine, even in the most remote zones, ensuring better coordination and rapid response in critical situations.

Industry leaders testing at scale

Normet, a global manufacturer of mining equipment, is testing autonomous vehicles at Callio. It highlighted the importance of private 5G networks for future mining automation.

Mark Ryan, VP of Equipment Offering & New Technology at Normet, states: “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”

A new benchmark for mining innovation

Boldyn Networks has positioned the private 5G deployment as the foundation for Callio’s long-term vision.

“We have designed and deployed a seamless private 5G network, based on Nokia technology at the Callio site,” explained Jaakko Kuukka, Country Manager Nordics, Boldyn Networks.

"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.”

Nokia highlights how private 5G is transforming connectivity in the mining industry.

“Mining is one of the toughest environments on earth for connectivity and private 5G is proving to be a game-changer,” said Michael Aspinall, Head of Enterprise Campus Edge sales in Europe at Nokia.

"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.”

Pioneering the future of connected industries

The Callio deployment highlights how industry collaboration between network leaders and mining innovators is setting new standards for industrial connectivity.

Private 5G is enabling operational efficiency, safer working environments and the development of automation technologies that will shape the future of mining worldwide.