NLT Digital Solutions
Pioneering Collaboration Systems for Connected Mines

The Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006, which mandated underground communications and electronic tracking systems, brought a new revolution to the mining sector. Wi-Fi networks and communication technologies became integral to managing mines across the U.S.

For the clients of NLT Digital Solutions, however, this regulation did not change much as they were already communicating and collaborating through cutting-edge devices over Ethernet-based and Wi-Fi networks. NLT had made them pioneers of mine efficiency, safety, and productivity, enabling them to align easily with evolving mining regulations.

NLT remains distinct in its ability to design, deploy, and support scalable technologies that reform how mines communicate, collaborate, and operate.

“When developing mining solutions, we base our foundation on innovation, creativity, and customer-centricity. That is why many of the world’s largest and most reputable mining and tunneling companies rely on us for their network and communication needs,” says Tim Haight, President and Managing Director of NLT Digital Solutions.

Founded as a division of Levitt- Safety—a premier nationwide safety supplier in the Canadian market—NLT understands the importance of communication in mining businesses. Leaning on its years of experience, it develops solutions and systems that offer a holistic approach to underground communications.

NLT’s product suites service both the coal and non-coal mining segments.

As the first company to introduce Wi- Fi networks to underground coal mines, NLT has played an important role in making mines secure and more connected. This is why NLT’s coal mining data networks are intrinsically safe and designed to operate in gaseous environments where even the slightest spark can cause explosions.

The multi-award-winning N-Connex, NLT’s plug-and-play product for the non-coal mining segment, is extensively used around the world for mines and tunnels. It is designed for harsh environments and integrates voice and high-speed data communications, asset and personnel tracking, control and automation, video surveillance, condition monitoring, and other solutions into a modular, Wi-Fi- and ethernet-based platform. N-Connex’s rail-based mounting system increases user-friendliness by removing the need for skilled technicians’ assistance. N-Connex incorporates Layer 2+ features. The enclosures of the product are IP 67, with military spec Ethernet and fiber cables, which can be conveniently deployed, maintained, replaced, and expanded.

NLT also enables customers to create a modular and scalable network for their needs. It can be used across the mining chain, from underground hard rock mines to process plants, tunnels, and heavy industry. Adding expansions and troubleshooting is easy, making operation data communications and Wi-Fi-connected internet of things (IoT) equipment scalable. NLT’s solutions allow clients to simultaneously combine a multitude of data points and bring about events like automating ventilation control based on environmental tracking and fan data, which can be managed through its web-based software.

Apart from this, NLT has released an intrinsically safe, approved underground coal gigabyte wireless access point featuring a four-point switch. It delivers an intrinsically safe, exceptionally reliable Wi-Fi network to underground coal mines and supports many advanced network standards to optimize network performance and security. NLT is also releasing a game-changing miner’s cap lamp to increase safety and productivity. Integrating smartphone features in the cap lamp will enable users to send and receive critical data to the surface.

NLT has supplied its cutting-edge systems to a number of tunnels around the world, including Sydney tunnels. One of the projects was a 27-kilometer tunnel retrofit. Through its exemplary customer-centric approach, the company deployed the retrofit in record three weeks. The project provided the contractor with tracking environmental monitoring, full voice communication, and evacuation.

Mining networking systems must be explicitly designed for underground networks and tailored to mine needs. NLT Digital Solutions recognizes this, being the first company in the world to introduce an underground intrinsically safe and approved Wi-Fi network in coal mines. NLT is a one-stop solution for all mining and tunneling communication needs, with countless use cases and an expanding product portfolio. It is driven by a customer-centric model, which helps it constantly innovate its solutions. NLT will continue working on new products and capabilities to enhance the mining industry and bring sustainability through its robust applications.