Relying solely on technology will not ensure safer underground mining operations — this is the view of Anton Lourens, CEO of leading proximity detection system (PDS) provider, Booyco Electronics, who stresses that human-tech integration is pivotal to ensuring Zero Harm. GERARD PETER finds out more.
PDS implementation was legislated in December 2022. The law has been welcomed in the South African mining sector as it seeks to reduce collisions involving trackless mobile machinery, thereby decreasing fatalities and injuries.
Since PDS became mandatory, Booyco Electronics has seen an increase in companies purchasing its systems. However, Lourens cautions that simply installing PDS will not ensure safety. In fact, he argues, that PDS should be the last line of defence in sensing when bringing a vehicle to a safe stop. “One can compare this to when airbags are deployed in a motor vehicle accident. It is the final measure that can prevent an injury. Before that, there are other human factors to consider,” he explains.
It is for this reason that Lourens adds that technology is not a silver bullet to prevent accidents. “Yes, there have been continuous advancements in PDS technology, but people need to understand both the capabilities and limitations of PDS. Yes, you need to ensure compliance, but you have to adopt technology in a way that will add value and optimise safety in underground operations.”
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The change management approach Lourens explains that often clients approach Booyco Electronics for a PDS solution without fully understanding how the technology can benefit their operations. “Our clients could be operating two different shafts underground each with its own specific operating requirement. It is important to note that there is no single sensing technology that can serve every purpose or scenario. It is for this reason that we have implemented a two-pronged change management process to give them a better understanding and, ultimately, technology adoption.”
The first part of this process is technical and encourages the workforce to understand how PDS technology can enhance safety. The second is the human element in making PDS work. Lourens adds, “The intent is not to minimise the role of the operators but, rather, the technology needs to be integrated with their skills.”
Lourens emphasises that the human element cannot be underestimated in the quest for Zero Harm. “While vehicles can be equipped with sensors to detect potential danger, we still must rely on an operator’s peripheral vision and real time understanding to prevent accidents. Also, PDS cannot determine the working conditions, for example if a specific pathway is more wet and slippery than usual. That is why it is crucial to ensure human-tech integration.”
Collaboration reaps rewards
Over the years, Lourens has been invited to speak at various conferences on the advancements of PDS technology such as the Investing in Africa Mining Indaba 2024. Based on conversations held, he believes that South Africa is a leader in PDS implementation. Much of this can be attributed to a collaborative approach that has resulted in PDS being part of a collision prevention system (CPS) ecosystem.
A case in point: earlier this year, the Northern Cape Mine Managers Association (NCMMA) held a forum in the Northern Cape to discuss CPS best practices. “The benefit of this forum was that it clearly spelt out the responsibilities of each stakeholder,” states Lourens. “This included suppliers, OEMS and mining companies. For example, OEMs must comply with ISO braking standards. If not, implementing a PDS cannot work optimally.
“I firmly believe that outlining these best practices will go a long way to ensuring Zero Harm and ensure an understanding of the role that each stakeholder plays in the CPS ecosystem. It is this understanding and collaboration that will help us to achieve Zero Harm,” Lourens concludes.
