Beeline Launches Private Communications Network for Polymetal
The infrastructure has been deployed at a gold mining site in Russia’s Krasnoyarsk Territory. The project has enabled the automation of numerous production processes.
One of the key pillars of digital transformation in Russia’s mining sector has been the deployment of private mobile communications networks. These networks are particularly important for sites located far from populated areas and major communications infrastructure.
Coverage Can Be Adjusted as Operations Expand
It recently became known that Beeline Business has completed a project to build a dedicated LTE network (pLTE/5G-ready) for Polymetal JSC. The company delivered reliable connectivity to the Veduginskoye gold deposit in Krasnoyarsk Territory. The turnkey project covered the full implementation cycle, from site surveys and project documentation to the deployment of network infrastructure. Two fixed and three mobile base stations were installed at the site. The mobile stations make it possible to quickly adjust network coverage as mining equipment advances and open-pit operations deepen.
Under the contract, Beeline Business designed and launched the network core and the MCPTT professional voice radio communications platform. Engineers also deployed the required software package and integrated it with the base stations and the customer’s corporate data network.
POLINA Takes Over Dispatch Operations
In addition, Beeline Business specialists deployed the POLINA Automated Open-Pit Mining Dispatch System (ASD POLINA) at the site. The platform helps optimize the transportation of mined material but depends on a stable data transmission channel.
“ASD POLINA is a critical component of the production process. The system operates in a fully automated mode, which places high demands on the data transmission network. The deployed pLTE network ensures continuous connectivity for equipment operating in the pit, which is essential for optimizing the removal of mined material,” explained Alexey Lapshin, Head of Automation and Digital Technologies at the Production Directorate of Polymetal Management Company JSC.
New Opportunities Emerge
The pLTE infrastructure has also been integrated with production positioning and asset management systems, including excavators, drilling rigs, measurement devices, as well as remote equipment monitoring solutions, video surveillance systems, and computer vision applications.
In recent years, the deployment of private communications networks has become one of the primary enablers of large-scale industrial Internet of Things adoption and other digital technologies. As of 2025, Russia and Kazakhstan – where Russian companies also maintain a significant presence – had a total of 157 private LTE/5G networks. Of those, 97 were operating commercially, while another 60 remained in pilot stages. Most commercial deployments were concentrated in mining and oil and gas operations, accounting for 41 and 24 networks respectively.
From Pilot Projects to Large-Scale Deployment
One of the first major Russian industrial companies to implement dedicated communications systems at production sites was Nornickel. In 2021, the company successfully tested the technology at its Skalisty mine. The network was deployed at a depth of 875 meters. The private LTE/5G platform demonstrated its effectiveness in the demanding environment of underground mining, providing high-speed, stable, and secure data transmission and communications below ground.
Today, private network deployment is becoming increasingly widespread. At the same time, companies are beginning to adopt not only conventional mobile communications technologies. At sites with little or no access to terrestrial infrastructure, satellite-based solutions are also starting to gain traction.
It is clear that the private network market will continue to expand in the coming years. LTE technology is mature and proven. However, its capabilities will eventually become insufficient as the number of connected devices grows rapidly. Over time, industrial operators are expected to transition toward 5G, which offers substantially greater capabilities.
