Rio Tinto is stepping up its game in the mining sector, showcasing a proactive approach to safety with the implementation of collision avoidance technology. Under the guidance of Danie Burger, Chief Advisor for Underground Technology, and Dan Mead, Principal Advisor for Technical Productivity, the company is not waiting for regulations to dictate its actions. Instead, it’s taking the initiative to enhance safety measures beyond what’s mandated in South Africa.
The journey kicked off in 2020 with the launch of Rio Tinto’s Underground Mobile Equipment Strategy, a comprehensive plan aimed at tackling three core safety issues: eliminating vehicle interactions with personnel, cutting down on diesel particulates, and reducing the risk of fires linked to underground mobile equipment. An extensive Vehicle Interaction Control Effectiveness (VICE) assessment was conducted across all underground sites, revealing that each site needed tailored Engineering Controls in the form of Vehicle Intervention Technology Solutions (VITS) to effectively mitigate risks.
In 2021, the company took a closer look at the market, engaging in benchmark discussions and site visits to identify proven technology solutions that could fill the gaps highlighted in the VICE assessments. By August 2022, Rio Tinto made a strategic decision to launch a dedicated Research and Development project at the Kennecott Underground copper mine in Utah. This initiative would validate new systems, including Nerospec’s NeroHUB, an agnostic Vehicle Intervention Controller (VIC) designed to enhance safety by automatically halting vehicles during critical proximity events. Eric Pohlmann, CEO of SK Nerospec, emphasized the significance of the onboard black box flight recorder, which logs and transmits vital fleet information.
The rigorous testing phase in 2023 involved connecting and evaluating different vehicle types with three Proximity Detection System (PDS) vendors. The results were compiled into a detailed report, complete with video documentation. Ultimately, the PBE Axell’s PDS system was selected due to its reliability in detection signals, a crucial factor for mining operations that demand consistency to avoid erratic vehicle behavior.
Now, the Collision Avoidance System (CAS) project is advancing through deployment phases at both Kennecott and the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in Mongolia. By November 2024, around 15 vehicles at Kennecott will be outfitted with a full CAS, while Oyu Tolgoi is poised to begin installations in 2025. The rollout prioritizes high-risk vehicles, including loaders and battery electric vehicles, before moving to a broader fleet of over 450 vehicles at Oyu Tolgoi.
Jason Stout, PBE Axell’s VP of Corporate Development, highlighted the importance of reliability, accuracy, and interoperability in any CAS solution. PBE’s innovative approach, which includes a suite of supporting technologies, aims to deliver a comprehensive solution that not only meets safety requirements but enhances operational efficiency. The focus on EMESRT Levels 1-9 ensures that PBE’s solutions stand out in a crowded market, emphasizing maximum protection without the nuisance of false alarms.
Rio Tinto’s commitment to extensive testing and validation signifies a turning point in the mining industry, where safety and efficiency are paramount. The integration of such advanced technologies could very well set a new standard for operational practices, pushing other companies to follow suit. As the sector grapples with the challenges of modernization and safety, initiatives like Rio Tinto’s Collision Avoidance System could lead to a seismic shift in how mining operations are conducted, prioritizing human safety alongside productivity.
