5 Useful Features of Underground Mining Software
Mining sure has come a long way, especially in the last 100 years or so. Although still a dangerous career, mining is now much safer and easier thanks to high-tech underground mining software which consists of many features that allow for safer work environments, higher productivity and better communication between areas of the mine and administration.
Today, advanced underground mining software can assist in the detection of dangerous leaks, fires, lack of air flow or other dangerous situations that could injure or kill workers, destroy equipment, or damage the mine itself.
1. Safety for miners working independently
Due to its dangerous nature, traditionally the buddy system was employed within mines to ensure that everyone always had someone looking after them. However, not every job within a mine is a two-man job, and with new underground mining software, miners can work independently while still being safe on the job. This software allows for check-ins at regular intervals where the miner must indicate that they are doing okay.
This software also allows for the miner to indicate that they are in trouble and require emergency assistance. Finally, should the miner become unconscious and be unable to request help, the system will detect a lack of movement and dispatch assistance immediately.
2. Emergency notifications and tracking
In an emergency the two most important measures are that everybody in the mine is notified and that everybody is evacuated immediately. Modern underground mining software allows for emergency signals to be dispatched throughout the entire mine to ensure that all miners can both see and hear that there is an emergency. Next, the software is able to track all personnel to ensure that nobody gets left behind.
After the evacuation, the system will also automatically test the mine for hazards to ensure that it is safe to return to work once the initial situation has been defused. It can test whether the air quality, ground stability, and water levels, and can easily communicate this information the personnel.
3. Track production
Modern underground mining software allows mining companies to track all production in real time. This gives the company detailed specs on what exactly is happening in the mine and whether production is on track.
It can help the company make decisions based on where production is at and where they would like it to be. Tracking can include the monitoring of tons produced or of meters drilled. It ultimately allows the company to make quicker business decisions by being in-the-know in real time.
4. Avoid collisions
Mines are hectic environments. There can be lots of people, lots of vehicles, and a whole lot of equipment. This means that mines can be easy places for collisions to occur, but a vehicular collision in a mining environment is a catastrophic occurrence.
All it takes is one bad move to occur and fatalities, injuries, and total halt in production can occur. Some underground mining software can help with the location tracking of vehicles and allows vehicles and miners to be notified when it appears a collision is about to occur.
5. Track equipment efficiency
To decrease unexpected equipment failure, underground mining software can track the effectiveness of the equipment that is in use. It can track when equipment is due for maintenance and can detect what repairs need to be done to equipment.
Always staying one step ahead on equipment efficiency allows for mines to keep productivity consistent, and to ensure that workers are not endangered by out-of-date equipment that hasn’t had proper maintenance. For both safety and efficiency purposes, this software is a very important part of keeping the mine running smoothly.
