COLLISION AVOIDANCE
machine . They know very well their job but on occasion such as due to a blind spot the CAS may be of use to them – however – we give them the option to prevent direct action such as a slow down or stop . And if they do override it then this will always be automatically be recorded in the system anyway . Any close proximity events that do occur will be analysed and potentially used to prevent anything similar happening in the future through retraining or changes in mine traffic rules and procedures .”
De Diego added : “ We do see a lot of interest in Level 9 , in South Africa for obvious reasons after the mandate but also in South America . Will Level 9 have an industry wide implementation in regions where it is not mandated ? That remains to be seen . I think certain aspects of it such as the ability to bring machines to a crawl at difficult junctions such as during night operations where the operator has not seen another vehicle will be widely used . But I also think using it to fully stop trucks for example may have a detrimental effect on productivity . There has to be a trade off .”
Looking at specific clients , one of Torsa ’ s biggest CAS users in South America is the Antapaccay copper operation in Peru , operated by Glencore-owned Compania Minera Antapaccay . Antapaccay operates a mixed truck fleet with its 400 ton ultraclass units including older Caterpillar 797F trucks along with a fleet of newer Komatsu 980E-5 trucks . These are loaded by Cat 7495 rope shovels . All of these machines are fitted with the Torsa CAS which has been running successfully for over a year now .
“ Then the mine had an issue where dozers were getting too close to the voids created by the feeders at the stockpiles . They wanted us to come up with a version of the CAS to suit this situation , which we did , including introducing additional sensors to give height perception . We developed the system together with the mine in only six months .
The project involved an analysis of the feeder locations and the interaction between various mining equipment and these elements . The solution provided a user-friendly interface that informed machinery operators about the risks in their work area . It offered visual and auditory alerts only in the presence of a genuine risk , making it an effective tool for enhancing safety in the work zone . All the dozers and feeders now have the system .
The reliability and effectiveness of the project also led to Antapaccay receiving recognition from the ISEM ( Institute of Mining Safety in Peru ) for the system . It also won the Excellence in Risk Prevention Award 2022 organised by RIMAC . This award was granted in the category of ‘ Best Business Initiative in Occupational Risk Prevention ’ thanks to the stockpile safety system . Now , Torsa is also in the process of installing
Becker ’ s smartdetect and PDS4.0
IM also spoke to Michelle Murray , Becker Varis Marketing Manager and Jonas Maximilian Becker at Becker Mining Systems . Murray commented : “ Collision avoidance and proximity detection systems , often associated with automotive safety , are rapidly becoming indispensable in the mining sector . These systems leverage cutting-edge technologies such as radar , lidar , cameras , and advanced algorithms to detect potential collisions and mitigate risks . Their implementation in mining environments can significantly reduce accidents , injuries , and fatalities , while also optimising operational efficiency .”
Becker added : “ With all the hazards that are present on a mine site , a technological solution seemed imperative . Regardless of the level of training or years on the job an operator has , collisions still occur because of these risks , which can factor into mining vehicle collisions . All too often , accidents occur because of limited visibility due to the size and environment constraints , lack of situational awareness and , in underground surroundings , operating machinery in confined spaces .”
The company argues that two of the most significant contributions to the collision avoidance landscape belong to smartdetect and the PDS4.0 from Becker Mining Systems . Becker : “ Ther impact lies in their abilities to address the unique challenges posed by the mining industry . Reducing the number of on-site accidents in a mine is crucial ; ensuring that personnel remain safe in both in underground and surface settings is necessary . “
Murray adds : “ These products address the unique challenges posed by the mining environment . smartdetect and PDS4.0 create a dynamic safety zone around equipment , alerting operators , and workers to potential dangers , addressing the unique challenges posed by mining operations . In a dynamic environment where massive trucks , excavators , and personnel coexist , the potential for accidents is ever-present . These systems provide real-time monitoring and alerts , enabling operators to make informed decisions and take timely corrective actions . By doing so , smartdetect and PDS4.0 not only safeguard human lives but also protect expensive machinery and prevent costly downtime .”
Becker says that to adapt to all possible circumstances , the PDS4.0 is available in a variety of configurations , suitable for side by sides , trucks and buses , loaders , and mining vehicles . The smartdetect can be interfaced with the PDS4.0 to offer a PDS solution for both surface and underground while utilising a single screen .
The system can be interfaced to the vehicle ’ s engine controller via CAN-Bus or , for older vehicles , via dedicated IOs . In this way the system does not only alert the operator but also slows and stops the machine if there is no appropriate action taken . Optionally the system also integrates as a location tracking and telemetry solution . All transmitters can send their current location onto the mine ’ s Wi-Fi or LTE network .
Becker : “ With its full range of accessories , and Level 9 compliancy , smartdetect and PDS4.0 have been designed to offer vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-person solutions in one comprehensive and robust package , allowing for upgrades , and simple system modifications , based on the needs of the customer . Becker Mining Systems designs every system to ensure high-quality and reliable products for every type of environment and application . The components of smartdetect and PDS4.0 are designed to provide system longevity in the harshest environments .”
The company says smartdetect and the PDS4.0 from Becker Mining Systems represent a gamechanger for the mining industry , ushering in a new era of safety and operational efficiency . “ As the world looks to industries to adopt sustainable practices , the mining sector can lead the way by prioritising the well-being of its workforce through the integration of advanced safety technologies . smartdetect and PDS4.0 are not just technological evolutions ; they are a commitment to a safer , more resilient , and sustainable future for the mining industry and the communities it serves .”
Becker ' s PDS4.0 facilitates bi-directional notification and alert messaging against potential collision for both V2P and V2V
60 International Mining | JANUARY 2024