Proximity detection leader Booyco Electronics is equipping 19 mechanised mining machines with its latest Booyco CXS proximity detection solution to enhance safety during the development phase of underground operations at Namibia\u2019s largest gold mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Anton Lourens, Booyco Electronics CEO, the order was placed by long-time customer Murray & Roberts Cementation, who will be establishing the underground stoping horizon for the Wolfshag zone of B2Gold\u2019s Otjikoto mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The contract also includes sensing devices for 120 underground personnel on the operation, which will be located in the employee\u2019s cap lamp to provide an alarm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur equipment will help achieve the highest level of safety by mitigating the risk of collisions between pedestrians and vehicles, and between vehicles, on this project,\u201d says Lourens. \u201cThe installation of our CXS units is in line with the commitment by the mine and the contractor to zero harm in the workplace.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Cementation Lewcor JV contract will take 28 months. Lewcor Mining is a Namibian company with extensive mining experience in that country. The contract includes a decline of 5.0 m wide by 5.5 m high being driven to the orebody from a portal in one of Otjikoto\u2019s depleted open pits. The operation will be highly mechanised, with equipment including drill rigs, dump trucks, load-haul dumpers and utility vehicles, as well as shotcreting and ancillary equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lourens highlights that Booyco Electronics\u2019 latest generation CXS system being used on the project is a comprehensive and integrated proximity detection solution. The technology takes a step beyond being just a warning system to becoming a true collision avoidance system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe CXS system on this project will deliver Level 7 and Level 8 capability in terms of the Earth Moving Equipment Safety Roundtable (EMESRT), and can also accommodate Level 9,\u201d he says. \u201cAlthough there is not yet a legal requirement for collision avoidance systems in Namibia, our customer and the mine adopt a global best practice approach to all aspects of safety in mining operations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the mine\u2019s location more than 300 km north of Windhoek, it was important that the equipment is robust and reliable to ensure maximum uptime, he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo ensure that the equipment performs optimally, we have trained the customers\u2019 artisans on how to look after it,\u201d Lourens says. \u201cA qualified serviceman from Booyco Electronics will also visit the site regularly to audit performance, assess the equipment and conduct any necessary maintenance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A pioneer of proximity detection systems in South Africa, Booyco Electronics\u2019 home-grown technology has seen wide take-up in underground operations \u2013 both hard rock and coal \u2013 as well as in the opencast environment, plants and warehouses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSince our inception in 2006, safety regulations have changed significantly,\u201d he says. \u201cAn important strength of our technology is that it has constantly evolved to meet the needs of the industry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The company now has a footprint of over 100 mining customers in South Africa, and this Namibian project is part of its gradual expansion into other countries in Southern Africa. He highlights that collision avoidance systems are likely to become increasingly mandatory in neighbouring states as these countries usually follow South African regulations. Major miners are also driving change through the globally recognised EMESRT guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe International Council on Mining and Metals is also an important stakeholder in this process,\u201d Lourens says. \u201cThe ICMM highlights that transport and mobile equipment accidents were highest cause of fatalities at their members\u2019 operations in 2018, accounting for 30% of fatalities.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Proximity detection leader Booyco Electronics is equipping 19 mechanised mining machines with its latest Booyco CXS proximity detection solution to enhance safety during the development phase of underground operations at Namibia\u2019s largest gold mine. According to Anton Lourens, Booyco Electronics CEO, the order was placed by long-time customer Murray & Roberts Cementation, who will be … Continue reading BOOYCO EXPANDS PDS FOOTPRINT TO NAMIBIAN MINE<\/span>