EuroChem and MTS launched Private LTE network at Kovdorsky GOK

2023: pLTE launch

EuroChem launched into pilot operation a wireless corporate network pLTE (4G) at Kovdorsky GOK in the Murmansk region.

The contractor of the project was MTS PJSC. This was announced on January 30, 2024 by the company Digital Technologies and Platforms.

The deployment of the pLTE (4G) wireless corporate network at the Kovdorsky Mining and Processing Plant makes it possible to speed up the automation of production processes, implement telemetry services and make online decisions on remote control of equipment, transport and blasting operations. The pLTE network is a significant part of the comprehensive modernization of the IT infrastructure, providing systems for collecting, processing, storing and transmitting information of the enterprise's production and IT systems.

The project was implemented by EuroChem's cross-functional team, consisting of specialists from the Mining Division, Kovdorsky GOK, employees of Digital Technologies and Platforms and experts from MTS PJSC. To avoid dependence on foreign vendors, the project was adjusted with the participation of the Russian equipment manufacturers and. software The pLTE (4G) network of Kovdorsky GOK is based on Russian software Scientific and Technical Center "Proteus" the implementation of georeservation functions. The work was carried out in difficult weather conditions in the northern region, the Russia professionalism of all participants made it possible to build a network as soon as possible.

In July 2023, the first Belaz was connected through the pLTE corporate network to the automated dispatching system of the Quarry mining transport complex of the Kovdorsky GOK. As of January 2024, more than 20 pieces of equipment have been transferred to pLTE - these are dump trucks, excavators, drilling rigs. The translation process continues.

Radio coverage in the quarry is provided by eight base stations, four of which are located on masts 40 meters high. The system provides full coverage of the Kovdorsky GOK industrial site, including the Zhelezny quarry, with an area of ​ ​ more than 72 km2. Earlier, an information flow on the state of machinery and equipment in the quarry was transmitted along the network route Quarry - St. Petersburg - Murmansk - Kovdor, for which communication masts with radio equipment were used. The delay in information for the dispatcher about the condition of the operating dump trucks could sometimes reach several seconds, which affected the responsiveness and safety of the work. With the introduction of the pLTE network, the placement of additional masts and base stations, the transmission route of information flows is closed in the perimeter of the enterprise. Now the enterprise does not have such places where you can "lose" the car.

The controlled and stable digital data transmission environment, which is resistant to interference, well-protected and provides high quality communication, is in demand at EuroChem enterprises. Minimal delays, seamless and high signal penetration enable real-time control of industrial equipment. The advantages of a dedicated LTE network are high reliability and security while maintaining high speed. The deployment of a wireless corporate network on the territory of Kovdorsky GOK is the first stage in the implementation of solutions for the digitalization of production using LTE technology at the company's enterprises. In the future, it is planned to replicate the technology to enterprises in the Krasnodar and Perm Territories, Volgograd and Tula Regions, - commented Andrei Burlutsky, Director of Information Technologies at EuroChem.

The universal and secure Private LTE data transfer environment will allow Kovdorsky GOK to implement comprehensive digitalization projects for various production processes. For example, in the first stage it will provide the operation of digital prompts, control radio based on MC-PTT technology, industrial safety systems and personnel positioning. Thanks to the scalable and flexible network architecture, our customer will be able to quickly expand LTE coverage at various production sites, which will create a groundwork for the implementation of promising digital solutions, - said Oleg Aldoshin, Vice President for Corporate and New Business Development at MTS.