In a technology-rich era of mining, companies are increasingly relying on advanced technologies to enhance various aspects of their operations, with productivity and safety being a primary focus.

Safety is particularly crucial in South Africa, where fatalities remain a pressing concern.

Minetec, a Gauteng-based innovator in the mining technology sector, is at the forefront of this movement, offering a comprehensive suite of tailored products and services designed to enhance safety and efficiency in mining operations. The company has been instrumental in developing solutions that address the unique challenges of the mining industry.

“Our goal is to create a safer working environment, while optimising operational efficiency,” says COO Davut Isik. “By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we can significantly reduce risks and enhance productivity.”

One of Minetec’s standout offerings is the Collision Avoidance System (CAS). This system enhances mining safety and efficiency through 360-degree visibility, alerts, and collision warnings. It also integrates features like reverse cameras and biometric key control (BKC), providing robust tools for accident investigation and prevention. The CAS is designed to give operators a complete view of their surroundings; crucial for preventing accidents in high-risk environments.

“The key benefits of the CAS are its ability to increase safety in mining operations by providing real-time collision warnings, comprehensive collision warning reports, speeding reports, and congested location reports. It also minimises operator distraction. Additionally, the CAS includes accident investigation tools, such as equipment movement history on a map, replay video of the CAS device screen, and near-miss collision warning notifications,” explains Isik.

Minetec offers several options for its CAS. The Level-8 unit enhances mining safety through visual and customisable audio alerts, intuitive touch-screen controls, incident recording capabilities, vehicle communication facilitation, and integration of radar and reverse camera features. For smaller vehicles and visiting equipment, the Level-8 Lite Unit (L-8L) provides a compact and cost-effective safety solution with visual LED warnings, customisable audio alerts, and easy plug-and-play installation.

The CAS Level-9 unit provides a firmware upgrade for Level-8 devices, allowing equipment to be slowed or stopped while ensuring the visibility and safety of vehicles and the operators. This upgrade is crucial for improving interaction between different types of equipment and enhancing overall site safety. Further, the system includes radar detection for non-tagged objects, such as structures, safety berms, high walls and conveyor belts, which is vital for mission- critical equipment like haul trucks and shovels/excavators.

Minetec’s Pedestrian Unit (PU) makes its wearer “visible” to the CAS unit of nearby vehicles and warns the wearer in case of close proximity with acoustic, vibrating, and visible alerts.

“The PU is a game-changer in terms of personal safety on site,” says Isik. “It ensures that workers are always aware of nearby vehicles and vice versa, reducing the risk of accidents.”

The CAS can be further integrated with optional solutions, using the same hardware, such as the Asset Manager System (AMS), BKC, and Load and Production Monitoring (LPM) solutions. These integrations provide a holistic approach to site management, ensuring that all aspects of safety and efficiency are covered.

In addition to safety solutions, Minetec offers the Fuel Automation System, which transforms fuel management in mining by automating dispensing, using radio- frequency identification for real-time tracking, monitoring and alerting for theft, and providing offline capability. Easy installation and maintenance enhance its efficiency. With this system, only authorised equipment can receive fuel and only at the level of their maximum tank capacities.

The LPM system offers production tracking, cycle time analysis, advanced dumping detection, and automated production calculation. The system provides monthly and yearly key performance indicator dashboards and productivity reports, facilitating data-driven decision-making and budget calculation.

The AMS enhances equipment management, inventory control, and operational efficiency. Key features include service tracking, digital pre-use inspection form management, warehouse management, workshop management, and budget calculation. AMS helps track service intervals, monitor inspection forms, optimise warehouse operations, manage breakdowns efficiently, and calculate equipment budgets.

Minetec’s Fuel Monitoring System, offers advanced capabilities to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and security in refuelling processes. The system is installed on equipment consumption tanks and the key features include real-time monitoring of fuel levels, tracking of refuels and drains, identification of fuel waste, alerts for possible theft events, and control over fuel consumption within specific geo-zones.

Meanwhile, the Operator Key Control, or OKC, ensures equipment security by requiring driver identification, blocking unauthorised use, and notifying administrators of identification discrepancies with an acoustic signal and an email.

“Our commitment to innovation and safety is unwavering,” says Isik. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve our systems and provide our clients with the best possible, cost-effective solutions.”

Hall 5 Stand D19a