• HEALTH AND SAFETY
gas entering the stope environment , with the possibility of explosions posing a significant safety concern .
“ We cannot use a 110V or 220V system in a potentially hazardous area where there is a possibility of drilling into a pocket of methane which can cause ignition – low voltage i . e ., a 32-48V , either AC or DC , is the only option to install close to the face . The maximum length of an LED-strip supplied in this low voltage range is 50 metres and due to the distances from the starter box to the face , there will always be the need for a point of connection , which increases risk because of possible arcing . Between 3 500 - 4 800 lumens or kelvins is the ideal illumination at the face – which is almost a daylight comparative . This cannot be achieved with the current solutions in these environments – even if we could safely connect these strips – due to the fact that , as one extends the length , the light emitted fades and the illumination loses impact . So , we are working on another more practical – quicker charging and lightweight – lighting system , for the miner , which can be easily and safely installed in the morning before the face is examined .”
A robust , mobile spotlight system in action at the face .
The mined Merensky Reef at the face .
Starter box – electrical connection point , more than 50m away from the face .
The LED strip solution system was therefore unsuccessful at Khuseleka , and while the goal is to move to a strip light solution at Khuseleka to achieve constant light , African Mining was shown a robust , mobile spotlight system in action at the face , which has turned out to be more appropriate in the interim . Hennie Bodenstein , appointed mine overseer for Section 420 and the Merensky section 234 on 28 level on the western side haulage , took us to the lowest level at the Khuseleka operation where 75 miners are operating at any one time and benefitting from this alternative . ( Watch our video of the difference experienced with and without the spotlights in action .)
• Before spotlight application : https :// youtube . com / shorts / ZhtENbdAta8 ? feature = share
• After spotlight application : https :// youtube . com / shorts / LoYKZKgyyWY ? feature = share
Sibanye-Stillwater is working in partnership with suppliers to develop safe , practical solutions to raise the voltage of the strip- LEDs for maximum illumination at greater distances to aid miners in their work at the face . Watch this space for developments !
“ These trialled lighting solutions will lead the way to solutions that will assist with safety and operational excellence and will become industry best practice ,” said Cilliers .
34 • African Mining • September 2023 www . africanmining . co . za