MELBOURNE -- Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) has been selected by Rio Tinto, a leading international mining group, to implement next generation wireless technology to support its existing operations and future business needs.

Alcatel-Lucent will enhance the speed and capacity of existing critical communications infrastructure for Rio Tinto in Western Australia, extending it further with 4G LTE and fibre-optic technologies. The enhanced connectivity will support the fast delivery of high-bandwidth data for in-pit mining operations, including asset monitoring and other production and safety systems.

Alcatel-Lucent will provide Rio Tinto with a complete end-to-end private 4G LTE network at its West Angelas mine in the Pilbara, the first of its kind in the mining sector. It will also provide a fibre backbone platform and network management solutions, as well as a range of professional services.

Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU)