A new safety system utilizing vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technology has been deployed at Rio Tinto’s Oyu Tolgoi mine, enhancing safety for up to 2,500 personnel by providing real-time proximity detection in challenging underground environments. This initiative, a collaboration between Cohda Wireless and Spectrum FiftyNine, aims to significantly reduce accident rates in underground mining operations worldwide.
The partnership leverages Cohda Wireless’s extensive experience in V2X technology, which has seen deployments in over 60% of connected vehicle trials globally, and Spectrum FiftyNine’s specialized expertise in developing compact V2X hardware modules tailored for controlled underground settings. The system integrates directly into standard mining safety equipment, such as cap lamps and belt tags, ensuring continuous awareness between vehicles and personnel.
The Oyu Tolgoi mine, situated in Mongolia’s Umnugovi province, is home to one of the world’s largest copper and gold deposits and serves as the initial deployment site for this advanced safety solution. This implementation sets new industry standards for proximity awareness in underground mining.
How the System Works
The core of the system relies on Spectrum FiftyNine’s smartTag device, a small, low-power unit incorporated into miners’ cap lamps. This device facilitates vehicle-to-person (V2P) detection with an accuracy of within three meters, utilizing the 802.11p wireless standard. The smartTag is equipped with specialized mining firmware developed by Cohda Wireless and works in conjunction with Cohda’s MK5 hardware units installed on mining vehicles. This integration allows for seamless communication and precise distance measurements, crucial for preventing collisions in the confined spaces of an underground mine.
A key feature of the smartTag is its ability to provide immediate visual alerts to workers through a series of light flashes, notifying them of nearby vehicles. This visual warning system proves particularly effective in the noisy conditions often found underground, where audible alarms might be missed.
Addressing Underground Safety Challenges
The technology’s design addresses a critical safety challenge inherent in underground mining: the close proximity of large, powerful vehicles to personnel. The system detects personnel and obstacles at extended distances, even around blind corners where direct line of sight is impossible. Furthermore, the solution operates independently of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) technology, ensuring reliable performance in deep underground environments where satellite signals are unavailable.
Industry Perspective
Russell Kennett, Manager of Underground Technology at Oyu Tolgoi, highlighted Rio Tinto’s commitment to worker safety and wellbeing. He noted that the deployment exemplifies how innovations from the automotive industry can be adapted to improve situational awareness in difficult underground conditions, thereby contributing to safer and more efficient mining operations.
Dr. Paul Gray, Chief Executive Officer of Cohda Wireless, emphasized the potential of connected and intelligent transport solutions to reduce risks of injury and death while simultaneously boosting productivity. He noted the increasing global demand for technologies that minimize vehicle-related accidents and expressed satisfaction with the system’s implementation at a major mining operation like Oyu Tolgoi.
Martijn Broens, CEO and Founder of Spectrum FiftyNine, explained that his company’s initial focus was on simplifying V2X modules and enhancing their radio frequency performance. Through the collaboration with Cohda Wireless, Spectrum FiftyNine expanded its reach into various sectors, including agriculture, warehousing, infrastructure, logistics, and mining, where safety is paramount. The successful miniaturization of the smartTag to fit within mining cap lamps has resulted in a specialized personal protective equipment solution that maintains high reliability despite its compact size and low power consumption.
This partnership represents a significant stride in applying advanced communication technology to safeguard workers in one of the world’s most hazardous industrial settings. The system’s deployment at Oyu Tolgoi underscores the growing trend of integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance safety protocols and operational efficiency within the global mining industry.
Sources
- https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/29012026/tech-collaboration-to-set-new-mine-safety-benchmark/
