A new digital safety solution becomes mandatory underground
Digitalization is an important part of making work in the mines easier, safer and more efficient. That is why we're introducing a new digital safety solution for the underground mines in Kiruna and Malmberget. The purpose of the safety solution is to further increase safety capabilities through applications that enable faster and improved communication and positioning capabilities, for example in the event of emergencies.
The safety solution project was started in 2022 and has since been tested for internal employees in both the Kiruna and Malmberget mines. Starting in Q3-Q4 2026, the system will be implemented for everyone who works underground, both internal and external employees and suppliers.
The implementation takes place in connection with an application for entrance permit (new or extended) being made in the new entry application system.
Positioning, communication and navigation
The safety solution consists of the applications Virtual Tag and Pocket Mine. Virtual Tag is a digital location tag that provides both access to an improved situational picture of where people are in the mine, but also the ability to receive and acknowledge messages. Both functions can be important aids in a crisis or emergency situation, for example to be able to speed up an evacuation. In addition, there is the possibility of receiving other types of messages such as information about road maintenance, closures and other traffic information.
With Pocket Mine you get access to a digital 3D map that shows your current position and helps you navigate and find, for example, the nearest rescue chamber or gas station. Using the map, you can also see other people and vehicles nearby (without gaining access to any personal data).
All vehicles used underground in Kiruna will also be equipped with a vehicle tag to enable localisation in the event of incidents and contribute to increased traffic safety as part of the digital safety solution.
