Production of coal and other industrial minerals is on the rise in Russia, which is seeking to exert greater protection of its miners. More than 433 million tonnes of coal were mined in 2018, two thirds of this from the Kuznetsk Basin.

In the heart of this region in southwestern Siberia, the city of Novokuznetsk will play host to the Ugol Rossii & Mining International Trade Fair, June 4-7. With its focus on health and safety, the fair epitomizes the industry's push for zero harm.

In attendance will be Hexagon, which is expanding its Mining division reach in Russia. The MineProtect safety portfolio will be exhibited at the show and Business Development Director, Marc Barmettler is excited by the possibilities.

"Like the mining companies represented at the Ugol Rossii & Mining International Trade Fair, Hexagon is serious about safety and committed to helping any company pursuing zero harm," said Barmettler.

"This is an ideal venue to introduce our award-winning safety solutions." Hexagon is the market-leader for mine safety products. The MineProtect portfolio integrates systems for collision avoidance, (CAS) fatigue and distraction monitoring, personal protection, tracking radar and vehicle intervention (VIS). CAS, for example, is at work in more than 35,000 vehicles in mines worldwide. VIS has won two magazine awards since its release in 2017. The portfolio integrates with Hexagon's MineEnterprise portfolio, which provides detailed analytics and real-time reporting capability.

Marc Barmettler's team will demonstrate Hexagon's mine safety solutions, including HxGN MineProtect Collision Avoidance System (CAS). CAS is used in more than 35,000 mine vehicles around the world.

"Although this is the Mining division's first official foray into Russia, Hexagon is a familiar name to the country's mines," said Barmettler. "Hexagon Geosystems has long-standing business relationships with Russia's largest mining companies via its Leica and IDS survey and monitoring technology.

"The ability to leverage our existing presence in Russia is the benefit of a global company that provides industry-specific solutions across our many divisions. The value-add is in providing a truly integrated, cross-divisional solution that provides the biggest advantage to our mine customers."

Hexagon's mining hardware and software provides additional integration possibilities to existing Hexagon customers. It's also an opportunity for new mine projects to implement a complete life-of-mine solution, connecting planning, operations and production with real-time analysis and maximized safety for personnel and equipment.

Hexagon will also be exhibiting at ISM 2019 XVII International Congress for Mine Surveying, September 26-30 in Irkutsk and at MINEX Russia 2019, October 8-10 in Moscow. Business development and technical staff are available at our Moscow office at Otradnaya St., 2B, building 9, 127273. Email marc.barmettler@hexagon.com