Ensuring occupational health and safety in mining
April 2024
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The mining industry stands at the intersection of robust economic growth and critical safety concerns. It demands innovative solutions that not only protect workers, but also optimise productivity. In southern Africa, Probe Integrated Mining Technologies (Probe IMT) has partnered with M3SH Technology to offer state-of-the-art environmental monitoring solutions that address these dual requirements.
“Real-time monitoring of parameters such as air quality, noise levels, dust particulate matter and air velocity can provide insights into working conditions and equipment performance. This data enables quick responses to potential safety hazards, and helps optimise operational efficiency,” says Gert Roselt, CEO of Probe IMT.
Probe IMT, CEO Gert Roselt, Probe IMT COO/CFO, Bernard Tennant and Probe IMT BIM, Leon Jordaan recently visited the SIM Lab at Stellenbosch University.
Embedding real-time environmental monitoring in mining operations affords a proactive approach to occupational health and safety, according to Roselt. By continuously tracking environmental parameters, the technology alerts operators of any irregularities, facilitating immediate action to protect employees and equipment. For example, elevated dust particulate matter could suggest the need for better respiratory protective equipment or indicate a machinery malfunction that needs swift attention. Tracking parameters like air velocity helps to forecast potentially dangerous events like gas leakages or ventilation failures. These predictive capabilities can prevent serious incidents, thereby reducing downtime and associated financial losses.
Monitoring devices must be designed to operate effectively, even in harsh industrial conditions. They deliver real-time data, which can be leveraged to ensure safer work environments and more efficient operations. For example, early fire detection or air quality issues can alert management to potential risks, allowing for quick action to protect workers and prevent costly downtime.
“Beyond immediate safety applications, the data gathered also serves as an invaluable tool for strategic decision making,” says Roselt. “Analysing trends over time can reveal patterns and correlations that drive continuous improvement in working conditions and productivity.”
Real-time monitoring where mines need it most
A leader in advanced electronic equipment manufacturing, M3SH Technology provides a broad array of devices specifically designed to monitor and ensure safety and productivity in mining environments.
These encompass the P50 environmental monitor, an advanced multi-functional, sensor-rich device that accurately tracks work environment conditions. This fixed installation monitor is designed to operate in extreme and hazardous environments such as explosives and gaseous atmospheres. The S50 smoke and early fire monitor is designed to detect smoke and potential fire hazards at an early stage. The P511 air velocity monitor assists in monitoring airflow within mining spaces, while the D52 dust particulate matter monitor is dedicated to tracking dust particle levels. Lastly, noise monitoring devices play a crucial role in monitoring and controlling noise pollution within mining environments.
M3SH solutions are backed by advanced IIoT capabilities and cloud computing, offering end-to-end support from standalone monitoring devices to custom-manufactured wearables and communication networks. This technology-driven approach ensures compliance with stringent industry standards and legal requirements, enhancing both safety and productivity.
The partnership between M3SH Technology and Probe IMT is transforming the landscape of environmental monitoring in southern Africa’s mining sector. By focusing on safety and productivity, they are creating safer workplaces and driving operational efficiency. This pioneering approach promises a more sustainable and prosperous future for the region’s mining industry.
Further reading:
Ensuring clean and safe water
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Editor's Choice Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Endress+Hauser’s comprehensive range of disinfection sensors is designed to monitor and control disinfectant levels in water treatment processes.
Read more...
High-precision measurement of insulating gases
WIKA Instruments
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
WIKA has launched the next generation of its GA11 gas analyser. It enables switchgear operators, manufacturers and maintenance companies to record the quality of SF6 gas and alternative insulating gases.
Read more...
Say goodbye to missed contamination with real-time colour monitoring
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Applied Analytics offers seamless and rapid colour monitoring in processes with an industry-proven analyser that quickly and accurately monitors colour in your sample stream for impurities and inconsistencies.
Read more...
Metrology laboratory is the heart of data-driven production consistency
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Pressing and welding have been at the core of Tier 1 automotive supplier, Malben Engineering for 50 years; but it is the company’s investment in its state-of-the-art metrology laboratory which has set it apart.
Read more...
Unlocking precision: The future of inline concentration measurement
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
[Sponsored] In today’s resource-conscious industrial world, manufacturers are under growing pressure to optimise productivity, ensure consistent product quality and minimise waste. One of the most effective levers for achieving these goals lies in mastering concentration measurement, and Anton Paar is redefining how it is done.
Read more...
High-precision measurement of insulating gases
WIKA Instruments
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
WIKA has launched the next generation of its GA11 gas analyser. It enables switchgear operators, manufacturers and maintenance companies to record the quality of SF6 gas and alternative insulating gases.
Read more...
Smart sensors for cleaner, safer food and beverage processes
Instek Control
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Instek Control specialises in advanced measurement solutions tailored for the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and mining industries. Among the company’s offerings are advanced process sensors from Anderson-Negele, as well as ALVIM biofilm monitoring technology.
Read more...
Elevating mining separation processes through precision instrumentation
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
In mining operations, the quest for efficiency and productivity is key. There is an urgent need for innovative solutions to enhance the performance of extraction processes while balancing operational costs and environmental impact.
Read more...
Alfa Laval launches next generation
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Alfa Laval has launched Clariot, a next generation, AI-based condition monitoring solution, precision-built for hygienic process equipment to deliver more accurate analysis and support.
Read more...
The next generation in metal sorting
Mecosa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
In the metal recycling industry, companies are increasingly challenged to not only improve the efficiency of their processes but also to raise the quality and purity of the sorted materials to new levels. By integrating proven spectral analysis technology into its market-leading REDWAVE XRF sorting system, REDWAVE is unlocking new opportunities for metal recycling, particularly in aluminium recovery.
Read more...
printer friendly version