Proximity Detection

Proximity Detection in Underground Coal Mining

Collision Avoidance

Poor visibility, restricted access and the confined working spaces in underground mines increase the risk of collisions between machines and machines; and machines and personnel. Apart from the risk of injuries to personnel, serious collisions halt operations, incur high indirect costs and have consequences that affect every aspect of the business.

Solution

MST’s uses electromagnetic near field technology to provide proximity detection and alert solutions around continuous miners and shuttle cars. The solution has a 360° field of detection, operates in dusty, low light environments, and can detect personnel around corners and behind structures.

A key factor in the acceptance by personnel and successful deployments is the effort we have made to have a high degree of integration of these systems into existing infrastructure and equipment. For example, personnel alert devices (PADs) are integrated into our ICCL miners cap lamps to ensure they are always with the person.