In addition to real-time communication and monitoring, wireless technology can improve and enhance the safety of mining operations by integrating with several solutions, such as proximity detection systems (PDS), says mining technology company Ya Batho.

“Wireless technologies can be leveraged to attain real-time or near real-time, information from underground operations to enhance decision-making. Additionally, information, such as PDS interaction data, can be used to train employees, using the available data to foster an understanding of how their behaviours around machinery can impact on overall safety,” says Ya Batho sales operation manager Craig Franck.

He adds that this information can also boost production. “Using wireless technologies can assist in proactive decision-making rather than using reactive approaches that might result in productivity losses.”

Franck explains that communication systems in coal mines differ from those in other mines, as some coal- specific safeguards and considerations must be taken into account when installing wireless solutions.

“The rate of advancement of mining and mine progress in coal mines is much quicker than in hard-rock mines and this, coupled with the presence of methane gases, ensures that underground coal operations make for difficult operating environments. Further, the inby section – the area facing the coalface – is classified as a hazardous area and, therefore, requires equipment certified to function in a hazardous area.”

He notes that most coal mines identify the hazardous area to be about 180 m from the working face. This means that only “intrinsically safe” or “flameproof equipment” (Ex ia) are allowed in these areas.

However, during production and the further development of the mine, management could decide to swing the inby section in either direction, which has a major impact on where the safety zone is established for certified, “safe” equipment.

“This could result in nonintrinsic safe equipment suddenly being present in the hazardous area, and careful consideration needs to be given to deploying wireless communication systems in coal mines, owing to their ever-changing nature,” adds Franck.

When setting up wireless communications in newly opened underground coal mines, the biggest risk is to constantly stay within the safe zone, unless the technology is appropriately certified for the hazardous area.

“It is key to stay in touch with mine management and within their mine plan to ensure that the wireless communications stay within the regulated areas and do not infringe on the regulations as set out by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.”

Ya Batho provides affordable solutions that have been specifically developed for the local mining industry because it is cognisant of the cost of continually importing technologies.