Vodafone Spain has confirmed it will deploy a private 5G network in a mine.

The carrier stated that the mine will be located in Navarra, Spain, with the project to be carried out in partnership with mining company Geoalcali.

According to Vodafone, it will provide voice, roaming, data, and push-to-talk solutions to workers in the Muga mine.

Vodafone said that its private 5G and 4G networks will enable mobile equipment and machinery to be connected safely, reliably, and efficiently, which it notes will boost communication and access to real-time data.

The carrier added that the project will enable video surveillance and access control, WiFi connectivity, digital twins, and active monitoring with drones.

Providing examples of what its private 5G network will enable, Vodafone said it will provide advanced digitalization that can facilitate the remote control of machinery, process automation, and management of critical data in real-time.

“The implementation of this private 5G network reinforces our commitment to innovation and digital transformation in Spain. This project demonstrates how technology can transform key industrial sectors, improving both security and operational efficiency," said Jesús Suso, director of Vodafone Empresas.

Vodafone added that it expects to deploy its private network at the mine in the coming months, noting that it will have access to fiber optic networks to "ensure maximum reliability in communications."

Vodafone confirmed the sale of its Spanish business to UK investment firm Zegona for €5 billion ($5.2bn).

The telco is not the first to deploy a private network for the mining industry.

In 2023, TPG Telecom paired with Australian-based mining company Yancoal to deploy a Mobile Private Network (MPN) at its Mt Thorley and Warkworth operations in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.