Rapidly developing technology is constantly being harnessed by Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) to deliver steadily improved functionality to customers, according to Anton Lourens, CEO of Johannesburg-based PDS pioneer Booyco Electronics.

“The world of electronic technology is an ever-evolving space with newer solutions and offerings being made available quicker than ever,” says Lourens. “Based on our experience in this space, we see improved PDS solutions being developed; one such instance is the combination of multiple different sensing technologies into a single fully integrated solution.”

This integrated sensing solution is then optimised through functional performance driven mainly by software for these specific comprehensive PDS requirements, he adds. As PDS technology evolves and matures, he notes that the demand for processing power, and the ability to process multiple sensors, has increased dramatically since the first basic PDS units were developed. 

“Fortunately, in our continuously evolving electronic world – including the global development of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and big data mining – the PDS industry can access the required processing platforms,” he explains. “Similarly, sensing technology is also expanding rapidly; this is introducing more suppliers of specific technology solutions, often making available different and better functions.”

Lourens argues that PDS is definitely playing a vital part in mine automation; indeed, it is seen by some stakeholders as the foundation for autonomous vehicles, specifically with the enhancements around Level 9 engineering control solutions for trackless mobile machines (TMMs). In another important trend, various mining stakeholders and organisations are engaged in workstreams to clearly define specific PDS requirements that are applicable to different operations. 

“For instance, labour intensive operations have different requirements to automated operations,” he says. “At the same time, we are also experiencing more engagement from OEMs, who have an integral role in the overall proximity detection ecosystem. This is also driving their own standards and regulatory compliance.”

In general, Booyco Electronics is seeing more collaboration from a variety of stakeholders to ensure improvements on safety standards – actively promoting the drive towards Zero Harm. As a leading player in PDS technology, the company remains committed to continuous improvement and meeting best practices that include integrated real-time data solutions for customers, says Lourens. 

“In addition to the standard PDS functionality, the user gains significant benefits from using the data as a tool for change management,” he explains. “Beyond the ability to analyse traffic flow, for example, mines can identify actual high-risk areas and apply mitigation interventions.”

“With the deployment of additional integrated technology, the value of this data can be further extended to include the measurement and improvement of operator behaviour, which in turn could lead to productivity increases,” he concludes.  

Benefiting from South Africa’s role as a global pioneer in Proximity Detection Systems (PDS), other countries in the region are embracing this safety and monitoring technology to great effect. 

“South Africa is leading the drive for PDS deployment due to its legislation, but the country is also probably the most experienced in the world on this topic,” says Anton Lourens, CEO of Booyco Electronics. “We have seen that most Southern Africa mines are adopting technology and solutions that have been deployed and proven in South Africa.”

Lourens notes that most of Booyco Electronics’ solutions and products are suitable for rollout in neighbouring countries, as they can meet local compliance standards. At the same time, the company drives a continuous improvement programme to meet global best practice. 

“The flexibility in our offering – facilitated through firmware optimisation on a universal hardware platform – ensures that we can effectively meet new customer demands without re-inventing the wheel for specific needs,” he explains. 

This has underpinned the company’s expansion strategy that includes Southern Africa, where there has been considerable new development in the region’s mining sector. Booyco Electronics’ long history in South Africa has feed its success in the rest of the region, as it is regularly contacted by mining decision-makers who were previous customers in South Africa – and are now working in neighbouring countries.  

“Having worked with us before to understand PDS capabilities, these customers then develop an understanding of local requirements in the countries where they are now based,” he says. “This creates valuable opportunities for us to expand into the region and share our knowledge and solutions further afield.” 

In its expansion, Booyco Electronics has adopted the strategy of partnering with in-country providers where a local support base can be established to ensure that the PDS technology is looked after and maintained.  

“We implement a skills transfer plan to develop the expertise of local support personnel while we are overseeing deployment and initial roll-out,” he explains. “By including these local resources as soon as possible in the deployment process, the in-country personnel become more competent and experienced. We retain oversight until the local team is able to provide full support and maintenance.”

Lourens highlights that successful implementation of any technology depends on the behaviour of the people involved, which requires proactive change management to facilitate the adoption of solutions. 

“Considering that mines in other Southern African countries are lagging their South African counterparts in terms of their PDS deployments, they are relatively inexperienced customers in this space,” he points out. “While the technology is an enabler to support users in driving their mine safety agenda, the successful deployment of PDS will be based on local culture and discipline – which must be managed so that it leads to effective adoption.”

Booyco Engineering believes this can only be achieved through local partners that understand each country’s specific environment, languages and other differentiating factors.  

While their primary objective is to ensure the safety of people, Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) and Collision Prevention System (CPS) installations also have a direct bearing on other critical parameters such as equipment availability and productivity. Through its  field support service technicians, Booyco Electronics ensures the intended benefits and objectives of implementing the technology are realised.

PDS/CPS solutions are critical safety systems in both surface and underground mining environments, particularly due to the significant risk posed by the operation  of trackless mobile machinery (TMM) deployed to work in these environments. To ensure correct and reliable functionality of these systems, Charl Marais, General Manager – Field Services at Booyco Electronics, stresses the need for a regular and robust maintenance regime, customised to specific customer needs. 

“Given that we work with safety systems, field support service is a critical arm of our business to ensure that all machines fitted with PDS/CPS solutions comply with our Section 21 responsibilities, as specified by the Mine Health Safety Council,” he explains. 

The Booyco Electronics Field Services team is responsible for interfacing with customers, starting from project execution (installation, testing and commissioning of new systems) through to complete lifecycle management of the product. Services include scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, breakdown and repair services, auditing and provision of spare parts as well as upgrades to enhance product capabilities or extension services to lengthen product lifecycle. 

“We have more than 200 technicians across South Africa, supporting both Service Level Agreements (SLA) and non-SLA customers. This is complemented by dedicated technical support staff for each area to assist with more advanced tasks,” explains Marais. 

Booyco Electronics offers a wide variety of services that can be tailored to individual customer requirements, considering aspects such as fleet size, system type and maintenance requirements as well as monitoring and data requirements, amongst others.

“Our maintenance schedules are adapted based on fleet size, system type and level of protection implemented (Level 7, 8 or 9) and typically include a minimum of one full system functionality test per vehicle per month,” he says. “For each customer, we have a defined scope of work in accordance with the SLA in place. For non-SLA customers, we generally have a different arrangement as may be required.” 

For SLA customers, response time is generally less than two hours, while for non-SLA customers this depends on the location and availability of technicians within the area. Understanding the extreme importance of maintaining uptime and production on TMMs, Booyco Electronics ensures its systems have minimal impact on production as a result of its strong ability in servicing customers on a breakdown basis. 

This is facilitated by a branch network that encompasses all major mining destinations, namely eMalahleni, Kuruman,  Lydenburg, Richards Bay, Rustenburg, Steelpoort and Welkom, to ensure timely response to breakdowns. The footprint is also constantly reviewed to accommodate new customer requirements. 

Given the constant continuous improvements and new advancements in PDS technology, Booyco Electronics continuously adapts its field support services to keep up with the pace of innovation. “We constantly advise our customers on the latest PDS/CPS improvements and advancements available on the market to ensure the best fit-for-purpose solutions,” says Marais. 

“We also continually find ways of improving efficiency in our service delivery through the use of technology to manage our operations. Examples include mobile applications for time and travel management, digital certificates of compliance (COC) and service support applications as well as digital customer satisfaction surveys which are currently being developed,” he adds.

In addition, Booyco Electronics places a major focus on increasing its value proposition by using existing data via the Booyco Electronics Asset Management System (BEAMS) interface to not only improve safety, but also to assist customers increase productivity by, for example, removing bottlenecks in production and optimising traffic management. 

A case in point is a major mining house which recently embarked on a ‘vehicle risk identification’ project spanning its global operations. The company contacted Booyco Electronics for assistance with data to help understand its operational risk (vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-people interactions) at one of its South African mines where the Booyco PDS has been in use for a number of years. 

“Although the mine did not purchase the BEAMS software suite, we were able to access the data and provide the mining house’s global team with valuable input to help them understand the operational risk and to identify ‘hotspots’ for mitigation,” concludes Marais. 

The strategic partnership between Booyco Electronics, a leader in proximity detection systems and safety solutions, and SafeGauge offers owners and operators of large mining, construction, forestry, agriculture and earthmoving equipment access to advanced wireless diagnostic tools designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency.

SafeGauge technology is renowned for enabling remote monitoring and testing of critical systems on heavy machinery without exposing workers to the dangerous conditions typically associated with live testing and equipment maintenance. Louis Venter, Area Sales Manager at Booyco Electronics, says that by allowing artisans to conduct tests and gather real-time data remotely, SafeGauge eliminates the need for workers to be in close proximity (line of fire) to large machines during potentially hazardous procedures. This innovation significantly reduces the risk of injury, creating a safer work environment across operations.

The SafeGauge range of equipment includes various specialised tools designed for different measurement needs. The PT (Pressure Transducer) Series is used to measure pressures in hydraulic and pneumatic systems, while the DI (Dial Indicator) Series is designed for measuring clearance, tolerance and wear on machine components. The TM (Tacho Meter) Series measures fan speeds and other rotating components, the LD (Laser Displacement) Series tracks wear on moving parts and the PR (Push Rod) Series is used to measure displacement between two fixed points.

Venter explains that all data collected by these tools can be processed through the Multitool Pro, which allows for real-time generation of reports and graphs. “With its built-in cloud connectivity, the system makes it easy to export or share data instantly, streamlining operations and improving decision-making efficiency,” he adds. 

Key Advantages for Equipment Owners

Venter says that one of the most prominent benefits of SafeGauge equipment is the enhancement of artisan safety. “Heavy-duty machinery in the mining and construction industries can present significant risks during maintenance or diagnostic processes, particularly when it involves hydraulic systems or high-pressure environments,” he continues. “SafeGauge’s wireless system allows these tasks to be performed without workers needing to be near the equipment, mitigating the danger of exposure to moving parts or sudden pressure releases.”

In addition to safety improvements, SafeGauge contributes to increased operational efficiency. By enabling real-time monitoring and remote diagnostics, equipment issues can be identified and addressed faster, reducing unplanned downtime and preventing costly failures. This proactive maintenance approach not only keeps operations running smoothly but also extends the life of key machinery components, minimising the need for expensive replacements.

A Valuable Solution for Heavy Equipment Operations

“For businesses in mining, construction, forestry, agriculture and earthmoving, where operational continuity is crucial, SafeGauge’s ability to deliver timely diagnostics and maintenance insights is invaluable. It allows maintenance teams to perform their duties more effectively, ensuring equipment remains in optimal condition,” Venter says. “The result is higher productivity and lower maintenance costs, adding value to both day-to-day operations and long-term capital investment.”

“Through Booyco Electronics’ distribution of SafeGauge in Southern Africa, local operations now have access to this world class safety and efficiency solution, helping companies meet stringent safety standards and drive operational excellence in even the most demanding environments,” Venter concludes.

The strategic partnership between Booyco Electronics, a leader in proximity detection systems and safety solutions, and SafeGauge offers owners and operators of large mining, construction, forestry, agriculture and earthmoving equipment access to advanced wireless diagnostic tools designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency.

SafeGauge technology is renowned for enabling remote monitoring and testing of critical systems on heavy machinery without exposing workers to the dangerous conditions typically associated with live testing and equipment maintenance. Louis Venter, Area Sales Manager at Booyco Electronics, says that by allowing artisans to conduct tests and gather real-time data remotely, SafeGauge eliminates the need for workers to be in close proximity (line of fire) to large machines during potentially hazardous procedures. This innovation significantly reduces the risk of injury, creating a safer work environment across operations.

The SafeGauge range of equipment includes various specialised tools designed for different measurement needs. The PT (Pressure Transducer) Series is used to measure pressures in hydraulic and pneumatic systems, while the DI (Dial Indicator) Series is designed for measuring clearance, tolerance and wear on machine components. The TM (Tacho Meter) Series measures fan speeds and other rotating components, the LD (Laser Displacement) Series tracks wear on moving parts and the PR (Push Rod) Series is used to measure displacement between two fixed points.

Venter explains that all data collected by these tools can be processed through the Multitool Pro, which allows for real-time generation of reports and graphs. “With its built-in cloud connectivity, the system makes it easy to export or share data instantly, streamlining operations and improving decision-making efficiency,” he adds. 

Key Advantages for Equipment Owners

Venter says that one of the most prominent benefits of SafeGauge equipment is the enhancement of artisan safety. “Heavy-duty machinery in the mining and construction industries can present significant risks during maintenance or diagnostic processes, particularly when it involves hydraulic systems or high-pressure environments,” he continues. “SafeGauge’s wireless system allows these tasks to be performed without workers needing to be near the equipment, mitigating the danger of exposure to moving parts or sudden pressure releases.”

In addition to safety improvements, SafeGauge contributes to increased operational efficiency. By enabling real-time monitoring and remote diagnostics, equipment issues can be identified and addressed faster, reducing unplanned downtime and preventing costly failures. This proactive maintenance approach not only keeps operations running smoothly but also extends the life of key machinery components, minimising the need for expensive replacements.

A Valuable Solution for Heavy Equipment Operations

“For businesses in mining, construction, forestry, agriculture and earthmoving, where operational continuity is crucial, SafeGauge’s ability to deliver timely diagnostics and maintenance insights is invaluable. It allows maintenance teams to perform their duties more effectively, ensuring equipment remains in optimal condition,” Venter says. “The result is higher productivity and lower maintenance costs, adding value to both day-to-day operations and long-term capital investment.”

“Through Booyco Electronics’ distribution of SafeGauge in Southern Africa, local operations now have access to this world class safety and efficiency solution, helping companies meet stringent safety standards and drive operational excellence in even the most demanding environments,” Venter concludes.

The VKB Group, a leading agricultural enterprise, has taken a significant step in prioritising the safety of its service and maintenance teams by selecting SafeGauge, a wireless and digital measurement tool, for its service centre in Reitz. This decision underscores VKB’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies that protect its workforce while ensuring the smooth operation of its farming equipment. Significantly, the VKB Group is one of the prominent employers in rural Eastern Free State and its operations form the cornerstone of the rural economy in the region.

Supplied by Booyco Electronics, the official South African distributor, SafeGauge’s wireless monitoring solutions are designed to eliminate the need for technicians to work in close proximity to potentially dangerous equipment.

Louis Venter, Area Sales Manager at Booyco Electronics, says that by leveraging SafeGauge’s innovative wireless measurement tools, VKB’s service and maintenance teams can now measure hydraulic and pneumatic pressures as well as wear tolerances or alignment from a safe distance.

“Being able to do this is a gamechanger and minimises the risk of injury during routine maintenance or in situations where equipment failure could pose a hazard,” he explains. “The adoption of SafeGauge’s technology is particularly significant for VKB’s servicing operations in Reitz, where heavy machinery such as Case tractors and combine harvesters are routinely serviced and repaired. With the SafeGauge kit, technicians can perform necessary checks and measurements without coming into direct contact with the machinery, enhancing overall safety.”

Venter says that in addition to safety benefits, the implementation of SafeGauge will lead to improvements in operational efficiency. The wireless measurement tools enable faster and more accurate data collection, which reduces downtime and ensures that machinery is maintained at optimal performance levels. This aligns with VKB’s goals of maximising productivity and minimising the impact of equipment failure on its clients’ farming activities.

“By selecting SafeGauge, VKB is not only addressing immediate safety concerns but also future-proofing its service operations. The technology allows for seamless integration with digital platforms, paving the way for enhanced data analysis and predictive maintenance capabilities,” Venter says. “This proactive approach will help VKB to continue operating efficiently while maintaining a strong focus on the wellbeing of its employees.”

“The VKB Group’s decision to integrate SafeGauge’s wireless monitoring solutions into its service operations in Reitz is a testament to its dedication to both safety and efficiency, and we believe that as agricultural practices continue to evolve, VKB will remain at the forefront of adopting innovative technologies that protect its workforce and enhance productivity,” Venter concludes.

In the mining sector, the integration of advanced technologies such as proximity detection systems (PDS) is critical to enhancing safety and operational efficiency. While the technological aspect of PDS is essential, the human factor plays a pivotal role in the successful implementation and adoption of these systems. Recognising this, Booyco Electronics has adopted a holistic approach that prioritises collaboration with end-users to ensure these systems not only function effectively but are also embraced by the workforce.

Anton Lourens, CEO of Booyco Electronics, explains that the implementation of proximity detection systems involves more than just installing devices and software. “It requires a comprehensive understanding of the mining environment, the behaviours and routines of the workforce, and the specific safety challenges faced on-site.”

“Booyco Electronics has always acknowledged that the end-users—miners and site operators—are central to the system’s effectiveness. By focusing on the human element, it is possible to ensure that the PDS solution being implemented is not only technically sound but also practical and user-friendly,” he says. 

A significant part of Booyco Electronics’ strategy is dedicated to training and education resulting in adoption. Understanding that the success of PDS relies heavily on user proficiency, Booyco Electronics conducts extensive training programmes for miners and site managers. These programmes are designed to enhance understanding, build competence and foster acceptance. Through continuous education and training, the company ensures that the workforce is not only equipped with the necessary skills but also motivated to use the PDS effectively.

Importantly, Lourens says, every mining site is unique, with distinct operational processes and safety challenges. Booyco Electronics emphasises customisation of its PDS solutions to meet the specific needs of each site. “This is achieved through collaborative assessment, tailored solutions and ongoing feedback. By involving end-users in the implementation process, we ensure that the PDS solutions are not only technically robust but also aligned with the practical realities of the mining environment.”

“It is also especially relevant to note that the adoption of PDS is not a one-time event but an ongoing process, and Booyco Electronics provides continuous support and maintenance to ensure the sustained effectiveness of the systems,” he continues. “This includes regular updates, 24/7 support and periodic reviews. By maintaining a close partnership with end-users, our teams ensure that the PDS solutions remain effective and reliable over the long term.”

Lourens says that the human-centric approach adopted by Booyco Electronics in the implementation of proximity detection systems has led to significant improvements in safety and operational efficiency in the mining sector. This collaborative effort results in a safer, more efficient mining environment, where technology and human expertise work hand in hand to achieve common goals.

The success of proximity detection systems in the mining sector hinges on the effective integration of the human factor. “Our commitment to working closely with end-users exemplifies how technology can be seamlessly integrated into complex operational environments, ensuring safety and efficiency through a partnership-driven approach,” Lourens concludes. 

The continued focus on integrating Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) in South African quarries and surface mines highlights a significant shift towards enhanced safety and regulatory compliance. This move, directed by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) regulations, underscores the critical nature of technology in mitigating workplace accidents. 

As the pioneer of PDS in South Africa and with more than eighteen year experience in the field, Booyco Electronics believes that the human factor is a crucial element in the successful deployment of such technologies.

Anton Lourens, CEO of Booyco Electronics, argues that beyond the technical installation, the acceptance and willingness of employees to embrace these tools and adopt them in their daily operations are fundamental to their effectiveness. He advocates for a comprehensive approach to change management that involves all organisational levels, from front-line workers to top executives, ensuring a unified understanding of the technology’s purpose, benefits and operational impact.

Lourens points out that the successful implementation of PDS technologies not only promises to enhance safety in quarries and surface mining operations but also influences other key operational aspects, such as equipment availability and productivity. He emphasises the importance of clear communication about the technology’s objectives to facilitate smoother adoption and minimise resistance among employees. 

Drawing from Booyco Electronics’ experience, Lourens highlights the setbacks in safety and productivity that can arise from inadequate change management, stressing the need for employee involvement in the process to foster a sense of ownership and understanding.

The change management strategy at Booyco Electronics begins with a technical readiness assessment to tailor the PDS technology to the unique conditions of each site. It encompasses educating stakeholders about the technology’s capabilities and limitations through specific deployments, managing expectations and providing training that explains the rationale behind the investment and its operational mechanics. 

Lourens also underscores the importance of ongoing training and system optimisation based on user feedback to ensure the continuous success and improvement of the PDS technology. Additionally, he cautions against the unintended consequences of technology dependence, advocating for proactive management and continuous education to maintain the safety benefits of PDS implementations.

While South Africa leads the world in regulating the field of collision prevention in mining, a key challenge in implementing effective solutions is to secure the buy-in and collaboration of all the people involved.

Speaking as a panellist at the recent Investing in Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, Booyco Electronics CEO Anton Lourens reminded delegates that the available world class technology is just one aspect of the solution. The African Mining Indaba panel session on Collision Prevention attracted so much interest that there was standing room only, indicating the high level of interest and concern about the relevant regulations in the sector.

“As one of the pioneers in Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) and Collision Prevention Systems (CPS) on mines, Booyco Electronics is rightly regarded as a technology company,” says Lourens. “In truth, however, we are also in the ‘people business’ – because it is the people who wear and operate our technology who are vital to its effectiveness.”

Moderated by the Minerals Council South Africa, the panel discussion focused on how mines should be keeping up with the new legislation on PDS. Lourens emphasises that Chapter 8 of the Mine Health and Safety Act was now very clear that compliance was non-negotiable, and mines were increasingly embracing technology in applications where mobile equipment posed ‘significant risk’ to health and safety.

“There have been great successes in the implementation of collision prevention strategies, but at the same time the overall industry picture is uneven,” he explains. “Even on one mine site, we have witnessed variable success rates between one shaft and another.”

This highlights the wide spectrum of adoption which needs to be achieved, he says, not just with the operators but right through the mine’s different departments. There can even be disruptive expectations between the mining production team and the engineering team , for example, if the management-driven strategy has not been clearly communicated and accepted.

He emphasises that everybody on the mine has a part to play, with the production department usually being the owner of the vehicles fitted with PDS. A successful PDS strategy will facilitate a good understanding of the respective roles – including planning, engineering responsibility, technology implementation and maintenance.

“It is important for everyone to be on the same page, as the mine’s production suffers when a machine stands, including due to a PDS issue – and that affects the whole mine and everyone’s future,” he says. “The good news is that the mines and their professional associations are engaging much more about CPS, and they recognise that the way forward should involve closer links between mines, their suppliers and the regulator.”

The key message is that no single player in this equation can achieve better safety levels on their own. Lourens points out that South African mines may be quite unique in the way they engage multiple Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and technology partners on each site. This creates some complexity when applying PDS technology, as each PDS supplier has to work closely with a number of mobile equipment OEMs to achieve the customers’ requirements.

He highlighted, however, that the building blocks for successful compliance were already in place. These include ISO standards adopted by OEMs, as well as best practice guidelines on PDS developed by the Minerals Council South Africa.

“The technology is available to address significant risk, and the tools are there to apply these solutions,” says Lourens. “What is important, though, is that the application of this technology is recognised as a process of change – not just a flick of a switch or a silver bullet.”

He reminded African Mining Indaba delegates at the panel discussion that people generally do not like change, and that this was natural. It is therefore necessary to carefully assess the conditions and attitudes on each site, and to design a change management plan aligned to operational culture that will satisfy all stakeholders.

“All parties are committed to the same goal – Zero Harm – so they need to reinforce this and find the best way forward in applying PDS solutions,” he concludes. “This is not to ignore the technical complexity of the solutions, but the main result is to drive safe and efficient production.”

He noted that modern PDS also generates extensive data on machine and pedestrian movements on mines. This is contributing to ‘digital twin’ simulations for mining operations, which can be harnessed to inform ongoing safety improvements in traffic management.

With the implementation of Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) technology set to gather pace as surface mines seek to comply with gazetted regulations, PDS specialist Booyco Electronics is calling for careful attention to the management of ‘the people aspect’ to ensure successful adoption and utilisation of the technology.

Anton Lourens, CEO of Booyco Electronics, believes that the people aspect is the most important part of the PDS implementation journey, or any other new technology in general. Effective change management therefore minimises potential resistance and ensures a smoother transition.

The success or failure of any technological implementation depends, to a greater extent, on the effectiveness of the organisation’s change management strategy. The change management process, says Lourens, should involve not only those at the ‘coal face’ but also other key stakeholders such as management and executives to ensure understanding and seamless integration across the whole organisation.

“Employees’ willingness to adopt new tools in their day-to-day operations plays a key role in the overall success of the technology. It is important for people who use the technology to understand its purpose, benefits, capabilities and expected outcomes, which increase buy-in and user adoption, that are key to overall project success,” says Lourens. 

Booyco Electronics’ change management process helps mines get the most value out of their PDS investments, while also keeping personnel engaged and motivated. The first step, explains Lourens, entails a technical readiness assessment to understand how the technology will impact the mine in question. This often involves wide ranging engagement with the engineering and mining departments to explain the capabilities of the technology – what it can and what it cannot do. 

Once the technological capabilities have been defined, aligned to the mine’s Risk Assessments, the company starts with the provision of detailed training for employees to grasp why the mine is investing in the technology and how it works. 

“In addition, Booyco Electronics offers continuous refresher training courses in line with the identified needs of the mine. Based on the feedback from the mine, there is also a continuous optimisation process which helps support the ongoing success of the technology,” concludes Lourens.