Nokia Oyj : and Alcon selected by Sigma Lithium to deploy private wireless network to support mining

Press Release
Nokia and Alcon selected by Sigma Lithium to deploy private wireless network to support mining

• First private LTE wireless campus network in Americas to support mining of lithium, a metal critical to the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles, solar energy storage, electronic devices, etc.
• Nokia private wireless solution will connect more than 200 Sigma workers and mine equipment, increase operational efficiency, productivity, and worker safety.

9 May 2024
Espoo, Finland - Nokia today announced that it has been chosen by Sigma Lithium, a leading global lithium producer, to deploy the first private LTE wireless campus network in the Americas that supports the mining of lithium - a metal critical to the production of batteries that power electric vehicles. Nokia will work with partner Alcon to roll out the private wireless network, which will support 200 Sigma employees and add multiple innovative mining applications that boost productivity and operational efficiency.

As the world converts to more energy-efficient vehicles to combat climate change, demand for lithium is skyrocketing. Exploration globally is expected to increase more than 10 times by 2035. Already a leader in advanced sustainable mining practices, Sigma produced record amounts of Triple Zero Green Lithium at its Brazil plant in 2023 and its Quintuple Zero Green Lithium was recognized at COP28 as the most sustainable lithium in the world.

With the addition of a Nokia private LTE network based on Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (Nokia DAC), the company is ratcheting up its goal to produce next-generation EV batteries in a carbon neutral, socially and environmentally sustainable manner - deploying robust dedicated bandwidth and throughput across its sites. Connecting workers with certified ruggedized devices, industrial edge computing and a catalog of ecosystem-neutral applications contribute to the creation of a safer working environment and enhance productivity and operational efficiency with crucial mining apps such as dispatch, push-to-talk and push-to-video, and smart badge systems.

Marcelo Marinho, Chief Operating Officer at Sigma Lithium, said: "At Sigma, we are dedicated to powering the next generation of EVs in the most sustainable manner. We are very excited to work with Nokia and Alcon to enhance worker safety and efficiency while continuing to expand our exploration of a metal critical to the world's energy transition."

Victorio Accon, Commercial Manager at Alcon, said: "We are very pleased to partner with Nokia on this exciting project to bring mission-critical networking to Sigma Lithium. Our expertise in deploying these vital solutions in challenging environments will ensure an optimized roll-out for Sigma Lithium."

David de Lancelloti, Vice President Enterprise Campus Edge Business at Nokia, said: "This exciting collaboration with Alcon will bring robust connectivity to world-class lithium mining leader Sigma Lithium and accelerate digitalization. Dedicated, mission-critical connectivity connecting industrial devices and applications is at the heart of revolutionizing the way the mining sector operates - keeping employees safe and enabling high-performance operations that deliver results."

Nokia one platform for industrial digitalization, private wireless networks, applications, and devices provide more pervasive broadband connectivity, with lower latency and greater predictability and security than alternative solutions, Nokia solutions are being selected by multiple industries as the backbone of digital transformation projects.

Nokia has deployed mission-critical networks to more than 2,600 leading enterprise customers in multiple industries. It has also extended its footprint to more than 730 private wireless customers worldwide across an array of industrial sectors.

Resources and additional information
Web page: Connectivity solutions | Nokia DAC

About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today - and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

About Alcon
Alcon stands out in the market as one of the largest integrators of radio network solutions for industry, presenting solutions with customized and optimized integration capabilities.
Specialized in leasing, outsourcing, and provision of services in radio systems, they have a structure focused on providing high-value-added services and have a team highly qualified to offer complete and efficient solutions in different market segments.

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