Cohda Wireless and Spectrum FiftyNine have joined forces to tackle a critical challenge in underground mining: enhancing safety and productivity in confined, hazardous environments. Their collaboration introduces a cutting-edge solution that promises to set a new industry benchmark for proximity awareness, with the technology already making waves at Rio Tinto’s Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia.
The partnership combines Cohda Wireless’s expertise in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology with Spectrum FiftyNine’s compact V2X module hardware, designed specifically for controlled environments. This synergy aims to provide unparalleled proximity awareness between mining personnel and vehicles, a crucial factor in reducing accidents and optimising operations in underground mines.
Cohda Wireless’s V2X technology, already a staple in over 60% of connected vehicle trials globally, is well-established in the mining sector. Spectrum FiftyNine, based in the Netherlands, brings to the table its compact V2X module hardware, tailored for environments where space and reliability are paramount. The solution integrates seamlessly into mining cap lamps or belt tags, equipping vehicles with real-time awareness of nearby miners. This is particularly vital in underground settings where visibility is often limited, and the risk of accidents is high.
The technology’s standout feature is its ability to operate effectively without relying on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), making it uniquely suited for underground applications. The Spectrum FiftyNine smartTag, a compact, low-power device integrated into miners’ cap lamps, offers precise 802.11p V2P (vehicle-to-person) detection accuracy within three meters. This device incorporates Cohda’s specialised mining firmware and works in tandem with Cohda’s MK5 hardware units installed on mining vehicles, ensuring seamless and reliable communications and ranging. Additionally, the smartTag alerts wearers to the presence of nearby mining vehicles through a series of light flashes, further enhancing safety.
The collaboration’s potential impact on the mining sector is substantial. By providing advanced proximity detection technology, the solution aims to significantly reduce accidents and improve the operational safety of underground mines globally. This is not just about safety; it’s about redefining operational efficiency in one of the most challenging environments in the industry.
Russell Kennett, Manager Underground Technology at Oyu Tolgoi, underscored the importance of this technology for Rio Tinto, stating, “At Rio Tinto, the safety and wellbeing of our people is always our top priority. We’re proud to support the deployment of cutting-edge technology that enhances situational awareness in challenging underground environments. The Cohda Wireless and Spectrum FiftyNine solution deployed at Oyu Tolgoi demonstrates how technology and innovation from the automotive industry can directly contribute to a safer and more efficient mining operation.”
Dr. Paul Gray, CEO of Cohda Wireless, highlighted the broader implications of this technology, noting, “The application of connected, intelligent transport solutions in the mining sector can greatly reduce the risk of injury or death whilst also helping to drive productivity gains. Globally, there is increasing appetite for the widespread introduction of technology to reduce vehicle-related accidents, and we are delighted to be deploying this technology in a very large and prominent mine site as Oyu Tolgoi. Given the nature of underground mining environments where large, powerful vehicles operate, often in very close proximity to mine personnel, the potential for injury and death from incidents is substantial. The technology we have developed with Spectrum FiftyNine is designed for personnel safety applications to be active in underground mine sites.”
Martijn Broens, CEO and Founder of Spectrum FiftyNine, added, “When we developed our first V2X module for aftermarket applications, our focus was on minimising complexity and enhancing RF performance. Through our collaboration with Cohda, we expanded into new sectors such as agriculture, warehousing, infrastructure, logistics, and mining – industries where safety is paramount. By miniaturising our smartTag, we integrated it into mining cap lamps, creating a specialised solution for personal protective equipment. Despite its compact size and low power requirements, the smartTag maintains exceptional reliability.”
This collaboration between Cohda Wireless and Spectrum FiftyNine is poised to reshape the landscape of underground mining safety. By leveraging advanced V2X technology, the partnership aims to set a new standard for proximity awareness, ultimately contributing to a safer and more efficient mining industry. As the technology continues to be deployed and refined, its impact on the sector could be profound, driving innovation and setting a precedent for future safety solutions in challenging environments.