Is 5G better than 4G for mining, and why?

Cellular connectivity has posed challenges for miners due to limited (public) network access and availability, unreliable performance in critical situations, and high costs. Because of this, the mining industry has historically relied on Wi-Fi for wireless data communication.

 

The first four generations of cellular networks were essentially designed with the consumer market in mind. For the most part, consumers are accessing networks with their phones, downloading data in areas with unhindered access to plenty of cell towers and antennas.

 

With the advent of 5G, cellular networks are becoming more robust and better suited to industrial use cases. Understanding the differences between 4G and 5G, and the pros and cons of each technology, requires the establishment of some first principles, which we cover below. 

Although 4G and LTE are often treated as the same, they are not identical. 4G represents the fourth generation of mobile network technology, while LTE (Long Term Evolution) is a particular standard designed to deliver higher speeds and improved performance within the 4G system. 4G is the fourth generation of mobile (cellular) network technology, which first became commercially viable in 2010. 4G was a big leap forward from the preceding third generation (3G) in terms of bandwidth, latency and network reliability.

 

So, what exactly is the difference between 4G and LTE? The confusion surrounding 4G, LTE and LTE+ is that these terms define minimum service requirements, but not how those requirements are delivered. Mobile WiMAX and EV_DO are two examples of alternative operating standards for 4G technologies that meet the established service requirements.  

 

LTE is the most common operating standard for 4G technologies, as defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In 2011, 3GPP Release 10 defined the criteria for LTE+ (or LTE Advanced; LTE-A), which became the dominant global standard, and laid the groundwork for the evolution to 5G.

5G builds on 4G radio spectrums and network infrastructure by adding higher frequency spectrum and advanced transmission technologies. These additions increase the network capacity and can deliver speeds that are up to 100 times faster than 4G networks.

 

When it comes to operating the network, the 5G Core (or the “brain” of the network) uses an API-based architecture, in contrast to the IP-based architecture used in 4G. Both 5G’s virtualized architecture and private 4G infrastructure have the potential to support time-critical industrial use cases including autonomous operation of machines and precise location positioning of connected devices. 

A well-designed wireless network with solid product selection usually lasts five to seven years. In mining, however, the return on investment can be even greater. A 4G network deployed in the early 2010s may remain commercially viable for over 20 years, especially as 4G continues to coexist with newer technologies like 5G. Infrastructure components such as skids and towers often have lifecycles exceeding 25 years, with only solar panels, batteries, and small cell trailers requiring a more frequent replacement. This longevity means that even older networks can still meet operational needs when site demands remain stable.

Technology cycles play a key role in network longevity. After first becoming commercially available in 2001, 3G networks were phased out by most major operators in 2022. Based on that timeline, 4G networks are expected to remain available and commercially viable until at least 2030. This overlap with newer generations ensures that 4G will continue to support mining operations for years to come.

 

While future generations of wireless cellular technologies like 6G are already in development, the improvements they offer will likely be incremental compared to the leap from 4G to 5G. That leap introduced faster speeds and greater capacity, but not all of those enhancements are necessary in mining environments. Fit for purpose is key for all mines, and most have operations that can rely on 4G for many years. Investing in 4G today remains a sound decision, offering a reliable foundation that meets operational needs and supports long-term planning.

For most, the best solution will be a hybrid, which might include technologies such as LTE, Wi-Fi, mesh, Bluetooth, low power wide area (LPWA) cellular technologies such as narrow band IoT (NB-IoT) and LTE Machine (LTE-M), depending on your application requirements. Satellites are also emerging as a viable ingredient in that recipe.

 

A hybrid solution can utilize cellular for large coverage areas while leveraging other technologies to fill in the gaps. When it comes to penetrating hard-to-reach areas such as underground, working a bench in in-pit, or areas obscured by dumps, you can reinforce the cellular network with something like a Rajant Instamesh. This is a simple and agile technology that can wirelessly mesh between machines to extend coverage. Mesh certainly has its place, especially for small packet data, but it comes with limitations. Its architecture increases latency and lacks determinism, which can be problematic in environments that demand low-latency performance. For real-time applications such as autonomy, voice, and video, mesh networks may present challenges that need to be carefully considered during planning.

 

Hybrid networks are becoming more commonplace with cellular deployments because you get more, do more, and it’s simpler. It's a beautiful way to harness the strengths of completely different technologies and use them for the jobs they're each the best at doing. 

 

So, the answer to the original question: Is 5G better than 4G for mining? That’s really up to each individual business and mine site. With a practical understanding of cellular technology, your needs today, and your roadmap for the next five-to-seven years, you can build a future-proof network solution that’s ready for digitalization and automation.

 

When it comes to building private cellular networks, miners must navigate cost, licensing, and spectrum availability. These challenges are compounded by the need to tailor networks to constantly changing mine sites and ensure coverage in hard-to-reach areas, especially underground. Beyond access, antennas and other hardware often lack the durability to withstand mining’s harsh conditions. Operating and maintaining cellular networks also requires specialized expertise that many sites lack in-house.

 

For miners planning to deploy autonomous operations, such as load and haul, drilling, or fleet coordination, minimizing risk starts with choosing the right wireless platform. Licensed spectrum technologies like 4G and 5G offer the reliability and control needed for real-time applications, unlike unlicensed options such as Wi-Fi. Deploying a private 4G or 5G network gives miners full control over uptime and configuration, but this comes at a significant cost and depends entirely on spectrum access. Access to spectrum is essential, without it, deployment isn’t feasible.

 

Choosing between 4G and 5G depends on your spectrum allocation. Higher frequencies require more infrastructure and infill, which increases cost. So, the question becomes: how much bandwidth do you need, and when will you need to upgrade your 4G infrastructure? Answering these questions requires careful analysis of both wireless spectrum and financial implications to determine the best path forward. With all this in mind, miners need to take a pragmatic approach to investing in a future-proof network solution.

Telecommunications networks are the foundation of digitalization and automation. The technologies you choose will directly impact your ability to modernize operations, improve safety, and increase productivity. While 5G offers exciting possibilities, most mines can achieve long term value and dependable performance with 4G, especially when deployed on licensed spectrum and tailored to the specific needs of the site.

 

To help miners make confident decisions, Epiroc has expanded both its solution portfolio and internal expertise. Our Network as a Service offering allows mining operations to benefit from reliable connectivity without needing to manage the complexity themselves. Whether you are assessing your site, planning for autonomous operations, or integrating hybrid technologies, Epiroc is ready to support you.