Extending GNSS Positioning Underground: A Pilot Study in Mining Environments

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are widely used in mining operations for positioning, safety, and operational efficiency. However, their application in underground environments has been limited due to the inability of satellite signals to penetrate rock.

This study explores a novel approach to overcome this limitation by using emulated GNSS signals to enable positioning in underground mines. A pilot system was implemented and tested in the Pyhäsalmi mine in Finland, at a depth of approximately 400 meters.

The system utilized a network of signal transmitters to simulate satellite signals within a tunnel environment, allowing standard GNSS receivers to determine location underground. The results demonstrate that:

• Reliable positioning is achievable in underground conditions
• Existing GNSS infrastructure can be extended rather than replaced
• Off-the-shelf receivers can be used without major modifications

This approach offers a scalable and cost-effective solution for improving safety, tracking, and operational efficiency in underground mining and other subsurface environments.

The findings highlight the potential for integrating GNSS-based systems into underground applications, bridging the gap between surface and subsurface positioning technologies.

👉 Read the full publication:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/doi/abs/10.1144/gslspecpub2024-119