MINE RESCUE & SAFETY
barometric pressure monitoring , ensuring the continuous monitoring of all relevant environmental conditions .
The deployment of the mine-wide monitoring system was completed in a record-setting timeframe for the mine , reducing previous schedules by more than 75 %, according to Becker . This also mitigated risks associated with possible unsafe working environments encountered in mining areas .
The Smartsense system conforms with stringent quality , safety and environmental specifications , and adherence to intrinsically safe certification means it can be safely deployed in hazardous and potentially explosive areas , Becker says . The Smartsense unit can also be fitted with different gas monitoring heads to suit specific environmental monitoring needs .
All features of the Smartsense device are integrated into one compact unit , offering an important advantage over conventional monitoring systems , according to Becker . There is no need for complex cable connections , troublesome programming or difficult calibration as the Smartsense unit can be calibrated during operation . Additional analogue / digital input ports provide compatibility with other devices to accommodate a plant ’ s expansion requirements . For example , an additional sensor connection point could be used to measure airflow .
Smartsense SSFM-100 gas monitors / controllers allow for localised use , or for implementation into a system-wide installation using industry-standard communication protocols such as Modbus RTU and OPC , or for integration into legacy systems using 4-20 mA signals , Becker explains . Becker says it also covers Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity , with one of the key selling points of the design being 360 ° LED alarm notifications that allow users to see the alarm status in excess of 100 m away .
“ With the Smartsense fixed monitor ’ s three fully programmable alarm setpoints for alarm and output controls , with a short-term exposure limit and time-weighted average displayed on an LCD screen that is large enough to view the reading from up to 5 m away , the deployment of the system ensured that each area being monitored had both local and remote alarming capabilities ,” it added on the platinum mine installation .
Becker says the mine ’ s stringent safety requirements were met by ensuring each area works independently , however , Smartsense controllers have been integrated to a central control facility for remote monitoring . An adjustable backlight made this device suitable for both underground and above-ground applications , Becker added .
An eye on personnel-equipment safety
Back in May at the Austmine 2023 show in Adelaide , Maptek debuted its VisionV2X proximity detection and awareness solution .
Billed as being able to provide all mine personnel vision underground , the development of VisionV2X represents the 40-year-old company ’ s first foray into the underground safety space .
To create a system that miners can rely on for proximity detection underground , Maptek turned to proven technology in the automotive industry . Maptek engineers “ applied their software smarts and combined their knowledge of mining with input from ergonomics and human experience experts to design a simple interface ”.
The solution sits within the Maptek operations / production management software area and , in its own right , is a reliable , selfcontained , robust and mining-rugged safety technology , according to CEO Eduardo Coloma . At the same time , VisionV2X acts as a dynamic mesh digital communications platform , with the safety system measuring the time it takes digital data packets to fly through space from node-tonode , hence it dynamically ranges to all members of the network in real time .
Since the launch in May , Maptek has looked to establish proximity detection system ( PDS ) Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table ( EMESRT ) Level 7 pilot projects in South and North America , Europe and Asia Pacific . At the same time , the system has racked up close to 2 million operational testing hours with Rio Tinto , according to John Godfrey , Business Manager for VisionV2X at Maptek .
“ EMESRT Level 8 ( Advisory Control ) testing at
As well being a reliable , self-contained , robust and mining-rugged safety technology , VisionV2X acts as a dynamic mesh digital communications platform , according to Maptek CEO , Eduardo Coloma
a prominent Australian mine will commence in October 2023 and run throughout 2024 ,” he told IM , adding that Maptek will closely follow developments in EMESRT and underground hardrock mining safety forums to design and develop EMESRT Level 9 Interactive Control technology specifically for underground mines .
Having attended multiple EMESRT workshops and talked directly to Tier 1 mining companies , Godfrey believes the best strategy for improving underground vehicle-personnel safety is to concentrate on leveraging highly efficient EMESRT Level 7 PDS / Situational Awareness solutions such as VisionV2X .
He explained : “ First , if a Level 7 PDS can detect with 100 % accuracy vehicles and pedestrians up to 100 m distance and beyond the line of sight , as VisionV2X does , there should be no need for EMESRT Levels 8 or 9 safety systems .
“ The second reason why mining companies are focusing on efficient Level 7 systems is that the industry does not yet fully understand the EMESRT Level 9 interactive requirements .
“ Third , systems with less-than-optimal Level 9 Interactive Control functionality are causing significant reductions in productivity and profitability in underground mining operations . Industry feedback reveals that unnecessary alarms , the stopping of loaders and haul trucks , and the resultant incident reports are causing mining companies to decommission the safety systems completely after millions of dollars of outlay .”
Maptek is committed to helping miners assess and better understand safety issues underground to ensure technology development is fit for
54 International Mining | OCTOBER 2023