Characterisation of electromagnetic properties in iron-mine production tunnels

Modern underground mines require reliable wireless communication for transmitting voice data, operating surveillance cameras, and monitoring mining equipment such as heavy vehicles. The electromagnetic characteristics of mines therefore have to be considered when determining the type of wireless technology for such critical applications. In this reported work, measurements of radio interference levels, path loss, and multipath propagation are performed in the world´s now largest iron ore mine, situated in Sweden, to determine a suitable wireless technology for this mine.