Naaman Shibi, Paperless Solutions Expert, Pervidi Paperless Solutions- www.pervidi.com.au

Mining operations face numerous safety challenges, with large machinery and workers often sharing confined and hazardous spaces. Ensuring the safety of personnel in these dynamic environments is paramount, and one of the most effective tools available today is proximity alert technology. By utilizing advanced systems like Radar and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), mining companies can implement real-time monitoring that proactively reduces risks such as collisions and unauthorized entry into dangerous zones. These proximity alert systems represent the next step in safeguarding workers and improving operational efficiency across the mining sector, leveraging technology to address long-standing safety concerns.

The Importance of Proximity Alerts in Mining

Mining sites are complex, with multiple hazards such as large equipment, vehicles, confined spaces, and workers moving across vast areas. Proximity alert systems, equipped with Radar and BLE technology, offer a proactive solution by creating an additional layer of safety through real-time monitoring and alerts.

Radar-based and BLE systems are highly accurate, and can detect obstacles and personnel in real-time 24X7, regardless of visibility conditions like dust, fog, or darkness.

Key Use Cases in the Mining Industry

Proximity alert systems have been successfully implemented across several mining and drilling operations, offering a wide range of safety applications:

1. No-Go Zones One of the most critical safety features is the ability to define "no-go zones" within a mine. These are areas where workers and vehicles are prohibited due to high risk, such as unstable ground or ongoing blasting operations. The proximity alert system automatically notifies personnel and operators when they approach these zones, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.

In one case, a proximity alert system was used to secure a drilling where underground blasting was being conducted. Radar sensors and BLE tags were installed on both machinery and workers to ensure that no unauthorized personnel entered the no-go zone during operations. This system effectively prevented several near-incidents, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and avoiding potential injuries.

2. Collision Alerts Heavy machinery and vehicles moving within mining sites pose a significant risk to workers and equipment. Proximity alert systems provide real-time collision alerts by detecting the distance between vehicles and workers, or between two vehicles. Using Radar, the system can measure speed, direction, and proximity to trigger alerts before an accident occurs.

A mining company implemented this system to minimize vehicle-to-vehicle collisions in their open-pit operations. The Radar and BLE-based systems were integrated into the fleet's machinery, alerting operators when they were within unsafe distances. This implementation significantly reduced the number of accidents on-site, improving overall operational safety.

3. Proximity to Workers Worker safety is always a top priority in mining. These solutions track workers’ locations and provide alerts when heavy equipment comes too close to a worker. BLE tags worn by workers communicate with the proximity alert system installed in the cabin, notifying machinery operators of any potential danger.

For example: A proximity alert system can be implemented to monitor the interaction between workers and large haul trucks. The system's BLE technology can track the location of each worker, and the Radar sensors installed on trucks provided operators with alerts (Audio and Visual) if a worker was detected in close proximity. This proactive approach can dramatically reduce worker injuries, providing an extra layer of protection in a hazardous environment.

The Benefits of a Stand-Alone, Infrastructure-Free Solution

Proximity alert systems not only provide comprehensive safety solutions but can also be deployed as stand-alone units that require no existing infrastructure. This offers numerous advantages, particularly for remote or hard-to-access mining or drilling sites where building or maintaining infrastructure can be costly and challenging.

• Ease of Deployment: Since these Radar and BLE solutions don’t rely on fixed infrastructure like Wi-Fi, RFID or hardwired power sources, they can be quickly deployed across any site. This flexibility ensures that the system can be operational in a short amount of time, minimizing downtime and disruption to mining operations.
• Powered by Solar Energy or Long-Life Batteries: The system can run on solar power or long-life batteries, making it ideal for remote locations where traditional power sources are unavailable or unreliable. Solar panels can provide consistent energy, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements and further lowering operational costs. In areas where sunlight is less consistent, long-life batteries ensure continuous operation for extended periods without requiring constant maintenance.
• Cost-Effective: By eliminating the need for complex infrastructure, the total cost of ownership is significantly reduced. Mining operations can avoid the expense of laying cables, installing network points, or securing continuous power sources. The stand-alone nature of the system means fewer resources are needed to set up and maintain the solution, making it an economically viable option for any site.
• Scalable and Flexible: The stand-alone system is highly scalable, allowing additional sensors and tags to be added as needed. This flexibility enables mining operations to expand or modify their safety systems without the need for extensive retrofitting or infrastructure upgrades.

The mining industry is seeing significant improvements in safety through the adoption of technology like proximity alert systems that use Radar and BLE. By preventing collisions, defining no-go zones, and tracking workers' proximity to equipment, these systems are essential for enhancing safety and reducing incidents in hazardous mining environments. Proximity alert systems not only provide real-time data and alerts but can also be deployed as stand-alone solutions powered by solar energy or long-life batteries, ensuring both flexibility and cost-efficiency.

With ease of deployment, scalability, and the ability to operate without existing infrastructure, these systems ensure that both workers and equipment are protected from harm, no matter the size or location of the mining site.

Join us at Booth H07 at IMARC to experience our Proximity Alert Radar in action!

See firsthand how Pervidi’s cutting-edge technology can enhance workplace safety by providing real-time proximity alerts for nearby hazards.