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MINE SAFETY
Safe and
sound
The laser scanning system supplied by 3D Laser Mapping
to the Damang mine includes a Riegl LMS Z420i long
range laser scanner, which can capture up to 11,000
point measurements per second, to an accuracy of 10
mm and at a range of up to 1,000 m. A rugged and fully
portable sensor, the system also includes a calibrated and
accurately orientated high-resolution digital camera. The
data captured is analysed using 3D Laser Mapping’s
SiteMonitor analysis software, which tracks and
compares displacement measurements over time,
providing early warning of abnormal movement and
therefore potential failures in the active mining area
Safety is always a key concern. Organisation and leadership are
key elements of improving safety. However, new and improved
technologies are constantly being developed in the battle
against accidents and efforts to make them survivable. IM looks
at some of the latest news from this area, showing where safety
developments are having an impact on operational safety
S
tarting on the surface, the collapse of pit
walls can be economic disasters and
threats to personnel. Gold Fields has
successfully implemented the latest laser
scanning solution to help improve safety and
increase production at the Damang gold mine
in Ghana. The SiteMonitor system, developed
and supplied by 3D Laser Mapping, combines
state of the art laser scanning hardware with
sophisticated software to capture and
continuously analyse displacement
measurements for the automatic monitoring of
the mine’s pit walls.
“During the trial phase the SiteMonitor system
was used to scan several unstable areas across an
entire pit wall,” explained Gordon Sweby,
Principal Geotechnical Engineer. “Operating in
continuous monitoring mode data was streamed
to the geotechnical office via a wireless LAN. The
next phase of the project will be to integrate the
40 International Mining DECEMBER 2008
system within mine operations realising the
potential already identified and turning the
system into an effective tool to aid safe mining.”
On other pit slopes, Rio Tinto’s Rössing
uranium mine, the biggest pit in Namibia, recently
adopted GroundProbe’s SSR-X (Slope Stability
Radar) for execution of critical slope monitoring at
its operation. The SSR-X is the first slope stability
monitoring radar ever deployed in Namibia having
been on site since November 2007 for critical
monitoring and evaluation. It is one of the most
advanced slope monitoring radar technologies
available, providing high resolution over long
ranges.
Samuel Banda, Geotechnical Superintendent at
Rössing, said: “Obtaining reliable long range,
high-resolution slope monitoring data is of critical
importance for us to be able to ensure the safety
of our operation and the SSR-X has proven itself
following an extensive evaluation period”.
SafetyWhips, a leading manufacturer of safety
whips and whip lighting, recently introduced a
robust Vehicle Display Identification System (VDIS)
for use on haul trucks. This system provides a way
of locating haul trucks, day or night, regardless of
weather or dust conditions. The VDIS allows
drivers to identify a moving vehicle in the most
extreme conditions, through the use of LED
lighting and solid state controls, that automatically
adjust to the surrounding conditions.
VDISs are available in different colours for a
variety of environments, with them framed in
metal housing and sealed against moisture.
Through an integrated program, a VDIS unit can
be immediately re-numbered and assigned to a
different truck as needed with no need to keep a
large stock of ‘numbers’ or other parts.
For surface mine communications, Logimine
showed version 4 of its Primary Command Center
(PCC) at MINExpo 2008. The latest version has
already been successfully installed at KATCO’s
uranium mine in Kazakhstan.
The PCC4 control software and on-board L2X
series electronics enable real time tracking of any
type of vehicle movement. It can also record time
measurements, distances, breakdowns, availability
and management of dispatch, loading, drilling
and blasting activities.
The unique capabilities of PCC4 include:
■ On-board displays with touch sensitive colour
screen
■ Customisable architecture software
■ High-speed user interfaces
■ Automatic processing of data
■ Integration of high speed radio systems and HP
GPS; UHV/VHF radio networks, TDMA and GPS
metre or RTK centimetre tracking
■ Real-time Total Quality Management (TQM)
with alert system; intercepted event can be
stored in the database, monitored on a graph,
or notified to manager (alert system).
Logimine’s system is proven and very easy to
use and maintain; it does not need a skilled
engineer to support it. It uses IP communications
to allow authorised users (secure ID access) to
share and visualise all the cycle data collected; e.g.
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MINE SAFETY
start/end, time/date, travel distances, position,
loading/unloading, shifts, equipment availability
and utilisation. Display units with clear and
friendly user interface are mounted on the
dashboards to enable vehicle operators to rapidly
communicate to managers information on any
mechanical defects or malfunctioning equipment.
For example, if they notice excessive gas or oil
consumption, hydraulic leaks, defective tyres etc.
Managers can then take immediate action to
ensure safe operation e.g. by sending instructions
to operators, adjusting shift cycles or altering
vehicle routes and speeds to prevent collisions.
Another advantage of the Logimine system is
that it supports preventive maintenance. The
system enables mechanics to manage mechanical
subassemblies in real-time, and managers to
immediately detect faults or safety issues such as
a decrease of a vehicle speed or a sudden stop.
“The PCC4 control system not only enables
monitoring of all the production and ore quality in
real-time from anywhere across the globe, it can also
help mines to achieve zero accidents” comments
Bruno Laforgue, Logimine Managing Director.
“Since 2000, our close collaboration with
Logimine has enabled us to go beyond the
traditional mine site management and reach a
higher level in terms of competitiveness. The
complete Logimine system has enabled
productivity optimisation and brought
The Kidde Sentinel group of products,
comprising the Sentinel Net and
Sentinel SA-1
significant quality control and stockpile
homogenisation improvements. We now have
full control over our production. Logimine has
been a superb investment!” says Julien Conté,
Luzenac (Rio Tinto group), world leader in talc
production.
Underground lights
The lamp is one of the most important tools
that each underground miner carries. It is
critical that this should not only provide
sufficient light for the full duration of the
working shift, but that it should also contribute
toward the miner's safety rather than actually
increasing the risks to which the miner is
exposed. Whilst there are many lamps of
varying price and quality, a few established
names continue to represent the best in the
class in terms of cost and safety, one of which
is the Oldham lamp.
The Umbrella of Mine Safety
The mining industry is much safer today as a result of
the use of high quality innovative products and
systems. DSI Mining Products and Systems perfectly
match today’s safety and quality requirements.
Mechanical Rock Bolts
Extension Bolts
Stelpipe Bolts
Our extensive R&D activities guarantee innovative
and long-lasting strata reinforcement solutions. DSI
is the global market leader in the development,
production and application of ground support
solutions for the mining industry. As a one-stop-shop
provider, we are known as the umbrella of mine safety
– always committed to your safety.
Local Presence – Global Competence
Rebar Rock Bolts
Cable Bolts
Friction Stabilizers &
Expandable Bolts
Trusses & Slings
Fiberglass Bolts
Headquarter Underground Asia/Pacific
DYWIDAG-SYSTEMS
INTERNATIONAL PTY. LTD.
Bennetts Green, NSW 2290, Australia
E-Mail: dsi@dywidag.com.au
MINING SYSTEMS
www.dsiminingproducts.com
Headquarter Underground America
DSI Ground Support Inc.
Salt Lake City, UT 84104, USA
E-Mail: dsimining@dsimining.com
Resins &
Cement Cartridges
Mesh, Straps &
Plate Washers
Eyebolts, Scaling Bars &
Utility Hangers
Australia, Newcastle, NSW / Australia, Perth, WA / USA, Salt Lake City, UT / USA, Blairsville, PA / Mexico, Zapopan, Jalisco / Canada, Langley, BC
Canada, Sudbury, ON / Canada, Saskatoon, SK / Canada, Rouyn-Noranda, PQ / Canada, Yellowknife, NT / Chile, Santiago de Chile / South Africa, Johannesburg
Lattice Girders
Steel Arches & Props
High Performance Grouts
Drilling Fluids
Santiago de Chile
CHILE
Martinsburg
USA
Cambridge
USA
Bennetts Green
AUSTRALIA
DECEMBER 2008 International Mining 41
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MINE SAFETY
Although the corporate name has changed to
EnerSys, the Oldham branded caplamp remains
synonymous with all high quality products
throughout the world. The company says it has
supplied “more lamps to more mines in more
countries than any of its competitors in the whole
history of ‘extra safety’ lamps.”
Oldham has recently launched two new and
significant products in the safety lamp range.
Firstly, weighing just under 700 g, there is the
new rugged L16 lithium-ion battery which is fully
compatible with existing GT lamps, but offers
advantages of light weight, ATEX certified battery
design and suitability for 12-hour shift operations.
The battery also has low self-discharge rates
with no memory effect - outperforming every
other battery technology currently available, the
company claims. The L16 battery can be fitted
with the conventional and proven G headpiece
(twin halogen bulbs), or the second of Oldham's
new products; the ATEX certified D headpiece
using advanced LED technology. Use of a high
power LED, running at a genuine 3 W, offers as
much as 40% greater light output, or alternatively
up to 30% reduction in battery usage; 10,000
hours LED life; shorter recharge time or longer
shift operation; greatly reduced maintenance costs
and a significant reduction of headpiece weight.
All of its lamps, Oldham says “are fully
repairable and can be shown over a normal fiveyear working life to be the most cost-effective
system for personal lighting when compared with
the lower cost units which have a four to
12 month life expectancy. Unfortunately though,
some mines try to reduce initial purchase costs
without understanding the consequential
reduction in lamp performance or long-term
costs. A low-cost lamp may fulfil the requirement
for the miner to have a lamp, but if the miner can
not see clearly, if the lamp only provides poor
levels of illumination, then safety is being
compromised. As a consequence, production
levels (as well as other factors such as the miner’s
sense of self-worth) can fall dramatically.”
NL Technologies’ Northern Light® Eclipse cap
lamps feature a four cell Lithium Ion battery and a
42 International Mining DECEMBER 2008
new style LED headpiece, which use a system of
Total Internal Reflection (TIR™) to create
maximum light output with minimum power
draw. It offers a consistent lux of 2,000+ over a
12 hour shift.
Koehler currently has MSHA approval on its
entire product line. Its LI 5300 LED Wheat® cap
lamp is, according to the company, “the smallest
most powerful safety approved LED cap lamp on
the market.” It comes certified with global safety
ratings, lasts for 27 hours at a time without any
deterioration in brightness, and has a recharging
time of only six hours. It can operate in
temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C and
can be charged in temperatures ranging from 0
to 40°C. It also has a lamp life of 10,000 hours.
Mica’s IL-60 EM, IL-80 ATEX EM and ML-800
ATEX EM lamps feature an emergency light
operation, where in the occurrence of a power
failure, the EM lamp lights up. It then
automatically turns off when returned to the
charger and/or power returns. These emergency
lamps work between 7 to 24 hours and are
entirely rechargeable.
Mica EM lamps are used in places where high
standard emergency lighting is needed. In
addition to the emergency function, they can be
used normally as effective flashlights. Advanced
electronics control the halogen bulb/LED, protect
the battery from deep discharge, and issue a low
battery warning by intermittent bulb flashing.
Forward planning
Kidde Fire Systems introduced the first Factory
Mutual approved aqueous suppression system for
mobile machinery and vehicles at MinExpo Kidde Sentinel. This system can be designed to
use the environmentally non-reportable wet
agent, AquaGreenXT™, or a dry chemical agent,
depending on application. It can also be
configured with combinations of both wet and
dry agent, providing primary and secondary
protection to the machines.
Sentinel is able to operate in a variety of
temperatures ranging from extremes, such as artic
mining or slag hauling, to milder climates. It is
available in two forms, Kidde Sentinel Net, a
network control system, and Kidde Sentinel SA-1
A 3D laser scan of a roadway extension could be useful
for helping decide where improvements could be made
to prevent accidents
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MINE SAFETY
The Dräger Alcotest 7510 enables monitoring of the alcohol
levels of mine workers
Results can then be transmitted to a connected
printer or PC for verification. The large,
high-contrast display makes it easy to
read the menu, instructions and test
results, even in poor light conditions. The
instrument has a removable mouthpiece ensuring
the user does not have to come into contact with
saliva from the tested person.
The Alcotest can be easily adapted to meet
different international requirements and,
depending on national legal regulations, can
also be used in court proceedings. Users can
determine the scope of documentation to suit
specific needs. The optional GPS receiver can
provide information on the exact location
where the sample was collected in addition to
the time and result of the measurement, with
the results being visualised on maps. Data
exchange is possible via USB or infrared
interface to a PC. The use of lithium-ion
batteries ensures a long operational life and
means that the instrument can perform a high
number of measurements.
As well as determining breath alcohol
concentrations in the workplace, it also allows:
passive measurements without a mouthpiece,
measurements of alcohol inside a vehicle and
establishes if alcohol is present in liquids of
unknown composition. IM
Control Panel, a system without network
capabilities. Nonetheless, both products are
customisable for specific applications.
Kate Houghton, Director of Marketing for
Kidde, points at some key features of both
systems: “[They] provide monitoring for up to
two hours after the vehicle is shut down, but
before complete cooling, when heat can build
up and ignite fuels around the engine.” Both
packages also include Wolfpack - a “global
network of vehicle professionals [who
provide] round-the-clock service.”
Based on both infrared and heat
detection, the systems detect and prevent
fires from escalating inside a miners cab.
They are designed for small to large size
vehicles. Sentinel standard caters for small
vehicles such as LHDs, Sentinel Advantage
for mid size vehicles like dozers, and finally
Sentinel Ultimate Net for the largest vehicles on
the market such as big shovels and draglines. The
systems can work in temperatures ranging from 37°C to 66°C allowing them to be used all over
the world.
DMT has developed an explosion-proof 3Dlaser-scanner for safety underground. It is
particularly useful for monitoring underground
roadway deformation e.g. roadway extension or
undercutting of shafts. Until now, laser scanners
could be used in both surface and underground
mines, but not underground coal mines. This was
because no scanners were available for use in
potentially explosive atmospheres.
Within a research and development project,
DMT demonstrated the potential of the
technology by carrying out different survey
campaigns with commercial laser scanners, on
approval by the Mining Authority. The success of
these demonstration projects led to the
development of the first explosion-proof laser
scanner; the IMAGER 5006EX (based on the
IMAGER 5006), which complies with ATEX
regulations for mining zone 1.
The main features of the IMAGER 5006EX
technology are:
■ Contactless (remote) fully 3D measurement
■ Works in all lighting conditions (up to total
darkness)
■ Adaptable – can be used in the majority of
different natural and man-made surfaces
■ Additional registration of the reflectivity (like a
grey scale picture)
improvements could
be made to prevent
accidents. The first trial
projects have shown great
potential, with detailed
and effective scans of many
different underground
operations. The company is
hoping more trials such as these will
highlight areas to improve, thus helping
technicians develop what is already, a unique laser
scanner.
Sadly, substance abuse can still be a problem.
The new Dräger Alcotest 7510 provides a clever
and precise way of monitoring the alcohol levels
of mine workers. It
produces an accurate
measurement of breath
alcohol concentrations,
even when residual
mouth alcohol - a
potentially misleading
substance - may be
present. This hand-held
instrument can be used
in temperatures from 10°C to + 50°C,
delivering fast, definite
measurements.
Residual mouth
The dawn of a new era with
alcohol, which can be
Lithium powered LED & Halogen ATEX / IEC lamps
found when substances
The new rugged L16 battery - compatible with existing
containing alcohol have
“G” lamps as well as the new “D” type LED headpiece.
been consumed shortly
Answering the call for:
before a test, can
potentially falsify results.
Greater safety - ATEX and IEC Ex certified design;
The Alcotest 7510 is
Longer autonomy - 16Ah battery for 12-hour shifts;
Lowest cost of life ownership – fully repairable.
capable of detecting the
presence of residual
For more information, contact the EnerSys Mining team at:
alcohol in the mouth,
tel: +44 (0)161 727 3950 fax: +44 (0)161 727 3949
e-mail: hawker.mining@uk.enersys.com
automatically alerting the
■ Very high accuracy (greater than 10 mm)
■ Huge measurement velocity (millions of points
per minute).
This system helps see weaknesses in an
operating mine, helping decide where
user.
A simple, three-button
menu operation guides
the user through the entire
sampling procedure.
an EnerSys company
DECEMBER 2008 International Mining 43