COLLISION AVOIDANCE
reduction features in place - you will probably never need Level 9 . However , in real mining situations , frameworks are not always followed precisely . Level 9 serves as a last line of defence and is typically activated when there is an issue with the operator , such as if they have fallen asleep or are experiencing a medical emergency . There are concerns that operators might misuse Level 9 as an excuse to drive more recklessly . However , any such behavior would be recorded in the system data , leading to an investigation as part of a recurring incident report .”
Like others , Baker also argues that the ISO21815 standard element is only a small element of the overall CAS package . It is only for the message sent to the machine by the CAS / CxD to slow down and stop . “ In some cases , the communication can occur directly between the CAS and the machine . However , at times it may require an interface . We have developed our own Epiroc RCS-based interface , and we also collaborate with Nerospec to implement its neroHUB when needed . Additionally , RCT , another Epiroc company , offers an available interface . The choice depends on the specific machine , associated costs , and the country in question .”
He adds : “ All these interface controllers can slow down and stop the machine , but what happens next ? This is where additional functionality becomes important . Can you inhibit the machine ' s motion ? Can you prevent the
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Industrial cameras in collision avoidance
Mining operations are inherently high-risk . Heavy machinery , limited visibility , and dynamic workflows create the perfect storm for accidents , particularly collisions between vehicles & personnel . To address these challenges , Heidi Schmidt , Global Sales Manager , Opticom Tech told IM industrial-grade camera systems have emerged as a crucial tool for enhancing safety & operational efficiency : " The scale of mining operations magnifies the impact of collisions , which can result in significant downtime , costly repairs & most importantly , jeopardise worker safety . Traditional safety measures , such as mirrors & proximity alarms , are often insufficient in environments with low visibility , such as underground mines or open pits clouded by dust ." She argues industrial cameras offer a proactive solution . By integrating real-time visual monitoring with advanced analytics , they help operators make informed decisions , avoid hazards & maintain situational awareness . Modern industrial cameras in mining applications are equipped with highresolution imaging & are often integrated into broader collision-avoidance & video monitoring systems . These cameras integrate with CAS software to capture real-time visual data , which is processed & can set off alerts if a potential hazard is detected . For example , cameras mounted on large haul trucks or loaders can monitor blind spots & alert operators of obstacles , including other vehicles or workers . These alerts - set through the collision-detection software - can be visual , auditory , or haptic , enabling immediate corrective action . The Opticom Tech CC04 camera is an example of a camera designed specifically for rugged industrial environments like mining . Engineered to withstand extreme temperatures , vibrations & dust , Opticom says the CC04 is ideal for the harsh conditions in mines . An M12 connection ensures secure and reliable integration with industrial systems . And the CC04 ’ s compact & durable design ensures consistent performance , reducing the risk of damage & downtime . Schmidt : " Cameras reduce the risk of collisions by providing real-time visual feedback and automated alerts . Operators can work with confidence , knowing their blind spots are covered , which speeds up operations without sacrificing safety . By preventing collisions , companies save on repairs , insurance costs & productivity losses .”
loader bucket from being lifted or the vehicle from articulating ? Many accidents occur after the machine has come to an initial stop . For example , there have been cases where a loader stopped with its bucket positioned above a person on the ground . When the operator turned the machine off and lowered the bucket , as is typically done , the person was injured . This situation could have been avoided with a motion inhibitor and tighter integration with the CAS . Thus , the issue becomes quite complicated when considering all the potential post-stop movements of various types of machines , especially in scenarios where machines need to interact , such as during loading operations .”
The latest Titan CAS version , Generation 4 was launched in May 2024 . This iteration builds upon the success of its predecessors by incorporating several key improvements tailored to meet the evolving needs of the mining industry . Functional enhancements added include : n Dual processing units and a high-speed CAN FD bus provide faster processing and reaction times , as well as system modularity and expandability . n Advisory zone addition : Introduces an effective advisory zone ( Level 8 ) preceding the intervention zone ( Level 9 ), enabling operators to react promptly to slow down and stop advice . n Logging redundancy : Both the HMI100 display and the Gateway control units now log operational event data , ensuring reliable backup information . n Dedicated RF channels : Allocated for vehicleto-vehicle ( VTV ) and vehicle-to-pedestrian ( VTP ) detection , enhancing detection capabilities . n Increased sensor data bandwidth : Enhanced low-frequency sensors provide improved responsiveness and a higher device detection count . n Time-of-flight for vehicle-to-person detection : Enhances safety by precisely identifying pedestrians , further reducing the risk of
accidents .
The modularity of the system allows for adaptable technology implementation as on-site needs evolve , ensuring sustained safety and efficiency improvements . Additionally , the system
International Mining | JANUARY 2025