8 Highly Useful Safety Innovations in the Mining Industry

Visibility is one of the biggest challenges in the mining industry. In underground mines, low visibility results in collisions and accidents. Infra-red thermal cameras can help mitigate this by detecting a person’s or equipment’s heat. These cameras can be either installed on the site or used in the form of wearable devices.

Transport vehicles, excavators and other heavy vehicles are prone to causing damage to the site and, at times, can also result in catastrophic accidents. The automatic brake application system is an intelligent IoT innovation many mines use to avoid this. With the use of sensors, an alarm is raised, which directly triggers the vehicles’ brakes whenever they are about to collide.

Sometimes even climbing 3-4 metre high bunds can result in injuries to the workforce. This may not be fatal, but a bruise or a strain can keep them out of work. Bund Safe trailers are being deployed, which help the workers mitigate this risk. Given that the trailers are mobile, it becomes very easy to move them around and deploy them wherever they are needed in the mine area.

The last line of defence for the workforce working on the ground in the mining industry, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), have seen a rapid technological evolution. Using the latest advancements in material science, the kits are designed to provide the best safety and, at the same time, ensure proper movement for the workers to carry out their duties.

One of the biggest risks in underground coal mining is coal dust. They are not an immediate killer, but inhaling coal dust for a long time can prove very unhealthy for workers. To mitigate this, stone dust spray bars are used. In addition, a well-designed pipe and spray assembly are installed underground, which can spray stone dust, water or other chemicals to ensure the coal dust settles down on the ground.

Autonomous vehicles such as drones or self-driving vehicles have taken industries by storm, and their application in the mining sector is also increasing. For example, drones are increasingly being used to assess unexplored regions. In addition, small hi-tech robots are used in dangerous, inaccessible areas.

Knowing the exact location of team members is critical in mine operations, especially in the initial process when blasting occurs. Radio-frequency identification (RIFD) gadgets provide the precise location of the person working in the mine. The control room, on the surface, can monitor the workforce movement better and ensure their safety.

Mining sites can be safer and more secure with better planning and strategy. To achieve this, organizations have started using 3D Modelling and simulators. Through Modelling, they can understand the region better, and by running various scenarios in simulators, they can identify possible unsafe situations and mitigate them.