Summary:
Vi Business has partnered with Hindalco Industries to deploy a dedicated private network at the Baphlimali Bauxite Mine in Odisha, marking Hindalco’s first such deployment and a significant step in its digital transformation and Industry 4.0 journey. The multi-year project will provide secure, high-performance connectivity to support worker safety, fleet management, drone and CCTV surveillance, real-time monitoring and an Integrated Command and Control Centre. The network is expected to improve mining efficiency, enable automation and support smarter, safer operations under Hindalco’s DigiMine vision. The initiative also aligns with Hindalco’s commitment to responsible mining and Vi Business’s efforts to advance industrial digitalisation through scalable enterprise connectivity solutions.
Vi Business, the enterprise division of Vodafone Idea (Vi), has joined hands with Hindalco Industries Ltd, a major global aluminium and copper producer, to establish a dedicated private network at Hindalco’s Baphlimali Bauxite Mine in Odisha’s Rayagada district. The multi-year managed services agreement includes the entire private network infrastructure, covering spectrum, core network, radio access network (RAN) and ongoing managed services. The network is expected to form the digital foundation of Hindalco’s connected mining operations by delivering secure, dependable and high-performance connectivity throughout the site.
Hindalco’s First Private Network Deployment
An official announcement issued on Thursday, October 8, 2026, stated that the project represents Hindalco’s first private network deployment and an important milestone in its digitalisation and Industry 4.0 strategy. The initiative supports the company’s objective of creating intelligent, connected and technologically advanced mining operations.
The private network provided by Vi will enable several digital applications, including workforce safety systems, fleet management, drone-enabled and CCTV surveillance, real-time monitoring and improved operational performance. The deployment will also feature an Integrated Command and Control Centre, designed to provide centralised oversight and facilitate informed, data-driven decisions across mining activities.
According to the joint statement, these technologies will improve real-time operational monitoring, strengthen employee safety and increase the efficiency of mining processes. The flexible and scalable network is also expected to enable the integration of automation and emerging technologies as Hindalco continues to implement its DigiMine vision.
M P Sunil Kumar, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at Vi Business, said, “We are delighted to partner with Hindalco on this landmark initiative. This deployment underscores our capability to engineer customized private networks for complex industrial environments. By combining secure, high-performance connectivity with a scalable architecture, we are enabling the next generation of intelligent mining and supporting Hindalco’s long-term digital transformation vision.”
Kailash Pandey, CEO, Aluminium Upstream, Hindalco Industries Ltd, said, “At Hindalco, digitalization and Industry 4.0 technologies are central to our vision of building future-ready operations. Our first dedicated Private network at Baphlimali will create a critical digital backbone for connected, automated, and data-driven mining operations. This initiative strengthens our journey towards safer, smarter, and more efficient mining, while reinforcing Hindalco’s position as a technology-led metals company.”
Focus on Safer, Smarter and More Efficient Mining
The technology upgrade at Baphlimali also supports Hindalco’s commitment to responsible mining practices. The mine recently secured certification under the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard, acknowledging its compliance with internationally recognised environmental, social and governance standards.
The project also highlights Vi Business’s commitment to delivering secure, robust and enterprise-grade connectivity for industrial digital transformation. Its solutions are designed to support automation, higher productivity, workforce protection and real-time operational insights in complex industrial settings.
The official announcement stated that the partnership combines Vi’s enterprise connectivity capabilities with Hindalco’s ambition to develop technologically advanced mining operations. It also reflects the Group’s commitment to using advanced technologies to promote innovation, operational excellence and sustainable growth.
With businesses increasingly investing in dedicated networks to support critical operations, Vi Business reaffirmed its commitment to providing secure, scalable and future-ready connectivity solutions that help accelerate digital transformation across industries.
