CRADLE TO GRAVE •
SOUTH AFRICA LEADS THE WAY IN PDS TECHNOLOGY diverse operational needs . However , he emphasises that PDS alone cannot guarantee safety improvements and that overall CPS success hinges on buy-in from all stakeholders implemented through an integrated approach .
“ The mining industry ' s appetite for technology adoption varies , but the majority has been quick to embrace advanced technology systems , including PDS and CPS . Better connectivity and data management are also priorities , aiding in safety , efficiency and productivity enhancement ,” he adds .
Supplied by Booyco Electronics
Booyco Electronics has witnessed a surge in demand for its Proximity Detection Systems ( PDS ) and Collision Prevention Systems ( CPS ) since the regulation ' s promulgation .
In December 2022 , South Africa implemented the Mine Health and Safety regulation focused on trackless mobile machinery . This regulation aims to reduce collisions involving diesel-powered trackless mobile machinery in the mining industry , ultimately decreasing fatalities and injuries .
A decade ago , the mining sector faced a grim reality with 270 annual fatalities . However , the industry has made significant strides in reducing these numbers by 20 % annually , resulting in improved safety records .
In 2021 , the industry saw a slight setback with an increase in fatalities and injuries , but progress remains evident as 49 fatalities were recorded last year .
Booyco Electronics , an original equipment manufacturer specialising in mine safety equipment , has witnessed a surge in demand for its Proximity Detection Systems ( PDS ) and Collision Prevention Systems ( CPS ) since the regulation ' s promulgation . These systems offer crucial vehicle-to-pedestrian and vehicle-tovehicle detection capabilities .
Anton Lourens , CEO of the company , notes that South Africa ' s mining industry has been proactive in adopting technologies and innovative products to foster behavioural changes in pursuit of safety .
With stricter mine safety legislation , the company is focused on ensuring compliance with South African proximity detection and collision prevention systems requirements .
Lourens says the Minerals Council South Africa played a pivotal role in understanding and mediating around this regulation and identified concerns related to equipment supply , installation and maintenance . In addition to implementation of PDS systems , some mining houses are keen to take ownership of product maintenance , requiring comprehensive training for their personnel and this creates further opportunities for Booyco Electronics to expand its workforce .
“ Significantly , South Africa was the first country to regulate PDS deployment in mining , attracting interest and engagement not only locally but also internationally ,” Lourens says . Booyco Electronics , in business for over 17 years , has evolved its product line to meet
The company , which is also growing its African footprint , already has a presence in Congo , Ghana , Namibia and Zambia , and has been appointing collaborative technology partners in areas that have a similar mode of operation to that of South African mines .
Lourens says that digital twin technology is also gaining traction , enabling real-time scenario simulations for risk mitigation , traffic management and analyses and movement monitoring .
Source : Supplied by Booyco Electronics
Significantly , South Africa was the first country to regulate PDS deployment in mining , attracting interest and engagement not only locally but also internationally .
DESIGN , MANUFACTURE OF 40 DRY-TYPE MINI-SUBSTATIONS FOR KAMOA
Trafo Power Solutions has supplied 40 dry-type mini-substations , as well as seven standalone ring main units , to one of the Africa ’ s largest and fastest growing copper operations , situated in the Democratic Republic of Congo .
“ We are immensely proud to be involved in this mega project ,” says David Claassen , MD at Trafo Power Solutions . “ Considerable design work and planning went into this contract , with very demanding lead times to keep up with the mine ’ s rapid expansion .”
The mini-substations include units of between 630kVA and 1 600kVA capacity with primary voltages of 11kV and 33kV . The secondary voltage configurations are 400V , 690V and 1 000V – and some units have dual-ratio secondaries . Protection against the ingress of water and dust was also designed into the units , with an IP54 ingress protection rating .
Fully designed and manufactured in South Africa , the minisubstations were completed in a streamlined production process that facilitated a fast-track delivery in batches of five to six units every 10 days . After the manufacturing and assembly process , each unit went through a programme of intensive testing before it was ready for dispatch .
www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • March 2024 • 33