Mining safety activities aim to minimise risks, hazards, and accidents to protect personnel and assets. How does IoT contribute to reducing threats, and what are the common technologies used?
Starting Point
NIOSH reported that fatal incidents in the US mining industry are decreasing but risks remain, with over 2/3 of incidents involving mining equipment and loose material.
Safety Elements
Miner safety encompasses various aspects, including general, occupational, process, workplace, fire and explosion, structural, and environmental safety. While the primary objective is to prevent health hazards to workers, it has evolved to address potential hazards to machinery and mine structures.
Ventilation
It is critical for ensuring clean, safe, and breathable air in mines. Natural ventilation relies on temperature and altitude to draw in fresh air, while mechanical ventilation uses equipment to create airflow. This solution is cheaper and more energy-efficient but dependent on external factors. Mechanical one provides precise control over air quality and can reach remote areas, but is expensive and requires a secondary energy source. Usage of this technology can be challenging due to factors such as depth and location. Poor ventilation management can lead to gas poisoning, explosions, and fires.
Methane Sensors
Coal mining poses a risk of releasing methane gas, which can cause fires and explosions. Two main types of methane sensors, catalytic and infrared, are used to detect the gas concentration in the air and provide warnings to prevent accidents. However, false alarms and limited coverage of the areas can be a concern. Due to regulations, methane sensors are mandatory in all coal mines.
RTLS
Real-Time Location System uses triangulation to determine the position of tags through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or UWB transmission. It provides real-time monitoring of inventory, machines, crew members, and can optimise operations. UWB has proven to be more reliable and accurate. It increases safety by allowing for instant response to incidents and minimising risks. However, implementation can be expensive and raise privacy concerns, and may require additional infrastructure. It is used in Los Pelambres copper mine in Salamanca, Chile.
RFID
RFID technology is used in mining for safety monitoring, asset and personnel positioning, and site access control. The system uses a small radio transponder, receiver, and transmitter to transmit digital data assigned to it when triggered by a nearby reader device. It is best used in defining zones or placing a reader within a 300-meter range for efficient use in underground operations. In emergencies, it coordinates first responders’ movements, identifies refuge chambers, and ensures safe clearance for blasting. LKAB Company uses this technology in several of its sites to improve underground mining safety.
GPR
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) uses EMS in the microwave band to provide high-resolution images. This technology replaces traditional drilling and sampling for geologic investigations, detecting structural issues and instability in rock masses. GPR also supports tunnel inspection, detecting voids, fractures, and rebars. However, skilled operators are needed, and imaging accuracy can be difficult in areas with high conductivity or complex geologic structures.
Automation
This technology in mining reduces the risk of injuries and illnesses in harsh working conditions. While remote-controlled machinery is cost-effective, teleoperated equipment provides greater precision and safety. However, initial costs and machines’ inability to adapt to changing conditions remain challenges. Nonetheless, the mining industry continues to adopt automation, with Syama gold mine leading the way as the first fully automated gold mine in the world.
Proximity Detection and Collision Warning
Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) are increasingly used in mining equipment to prevent accidents. They detect people and vehicles in proximity and can take control of the equipment to stop a collision. PDS units use various sensing technologies such as radar, LIDAR, and infrared. However, their implementation can be costly and generate false alarms, reducing their effectiveness. Workers may still be at risk despite the systems in place.
Drones
They are commonly used in open-pit mines for bird’s eye view monitoring and can create detailed Digital Terrain Models as well as mapping, inspection, LiDAR, thermal, and delivery. However, their battery life and range can limit their usefulness and they may not be able to operate in all weather conditions and restricted areas. They are widely used in mining operations, such as Campamento Minero in Bolivia.
Worksite Simulators
Mining simulators provide safe and effective training for operators of machinery in hazardous scenarios. Using Virtual Reality headsets, users can understand their future working conditions and the equipment they will be responsible for. They train desirable behaviour, reduce costs, and prevent human errors. It can also serve as a retraining tool for experienced workers. Rio Tinto Mining Company is one of the biggest users of this technology.
Summary
The mining industry is no stranger to the benefits of new technologies, with many operations globally already utilising them. While some may be newly introduced to the field, they are gaining popularity among users year by year. The industry prioritises safety, constantly seeking out newer and better solutions to mitigate risks and save lives. However, implementation of new mine technology depends on factors such as operation set-up, budget, and the potential for seamless integration into existing environments.
