The Elements of Innovation Discovered
The Elements of Innovation Discovered
Metal Tech News - August 23, 2023
MMG has installed Hexagon's MineProtect Operator Alertness System in 11 trucks at its Roseberry underground mine.
HxGN MineProtect OAS uses AI to monitor equipment operators for distractions, drowsiness and microsleeps. If any of these signs of fatigue are recognized, the program notifies the driver with audio alarms and vibrations.
To enhance the safety of mining truck operators carrying out repetitive tasks over long shifts, global base metals miner MMG Ltd. had Hexagon's MineProtect Operator Alertness System installed in 11 underground trucks at its Roseberry zinc-lead-copper-gold-silver mine in Tasmania, Australia.
"Our number one value is we always think safety first, and nothing is more important than ensuring all our people go home safely at the end of each day," said Roseberry Mine General Manager Steve Scott.
Toward this overarching commitment to safety, MMG sought a solution to monitor truck operators for signs of fatigue, a common safety issue for operators that work long days carrying out monotonous tasks.
"We recognise that with long shifts, fatigue can become a hazard and Hexagon's technology enables us to continue to assess the fatigue risk of our underground truck operators in real time," said Scott.
An operator alertness system at Roseberry had to be able to reliably recognize the telltale signs of tiredness in a complex underground mining environment. With the ability to recognize signs of fatigue and distractions in both light and dark conditions, the Hexagon MineProtect Operator Alertness System was the solution.
HxGn MineProtect OAS uses AI to monitor operators for distractions, drowsiness and microsleeps. If any of these signs of fatigue are recognized, the program notifies the driver with audio alarms and vibrations.
The system also features a cloud platform to continuously assess the fatigue risks of individual operators, as well as the fleet. After completing an independent review of each alert, remote monitoring centers notify mine management via email or text of any critical events – allowing for intervention, if necessary.
MMG says the Hexagon system was easy to install and integrate into its systems, providing an extra layer of safety for operators working 12-hour shifts.
This integration was made easier by the purchase-to-implementation support delivered by Hexagon.
"We're excited to see Hexagon's Operator Alertness System being deployed in an underground operation for the first time, and we appreciate MMG's dedication to keeping their workers safe," said Simon Stone, vice president of Hexagon's Asia-Pacific mining division. "The deployment of our OAS is already providing valuable data for their operation and making a difference in the safety of MMG's workers."
With more than 16 years of covering mining, Shane is renowned for his insights and and in-depth analysis of mining, mineral exploration and technology metals.
Reader Comments(0)