TECHNOLOGY

Sandvik UG equipment works with third-party proximity detection

Sandvik develops interface for proximity detection systems for its UG loaders and dump trucks

 As a response to tightening regulations in South Africa, Sandvik designed its own third-party PDS interface back in 2017; its is now available globally

As a response to tightening regulations in South Africa, Sandvik designed its own third-party PDS interface back in 2017; its is now available globally

In South Africa, for example, underground mine equipment is required to have an active PDS equipped. In order to meet these legal requirements and to boost the overall safety of underground operations, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology designed its own PDS interface.

PDSs will minimise the risk of collision, as they are generally designed to slow down or stop the equipment in case the system's sensors detect a person or an object carrying an electronic tag inside a predefined zone.

The exact operation of the PDS, Sandvik said, naturlly depends on the selected system and the local conditions, which vary from site to site.

While the PDS interface was originally developed for the South African market, product safety manager for load and haul Marjut Seppälä said the interface is now globally available.

The interface also comes with the Speed Brake Interlock feature, which monitors the equipment speed and guides the operator to slow down by means of visual and audio messages on the system display.

"Even though proximity detection systems help to improve safety, they shall never be used to replace normal safe and sound operating practices," Seppälä underlined.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Exploration Report 2024 (feat. Opaxe data)

A comprehensive review of exploration trends and technologies, highlighting the best intercepts and discoveries and the latest initial resource estimates.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Future Fleets Report 2024

The report paints a picture of the equipment landscape and includes detailed profiles of mines that are employing these fleets

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Digitalisation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations that use digitalisation technology to drive improvements across all areas of mining production

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Automation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations using autonomous solutions in every region and sector, including analysis of the factors driving investment decisions