TECHNOLOGY

Booyco advances PDS safety testing

In response to changes in South African regulations that impact collision prevention, Booyco Electronics said it is in testing with its proximity detection systems (PDS) to achieve compliance with Level 9 safety standards

Booyco Electronics’ TTM’s control unit indicates when the vehicle needs to slow down or stop using audio visual displays

Booyco Electronics’ TTM’s control unit indicates when the vehicle needs to slow down or stop using audio visual displays

Booyco officials said the upcoming safety changes are related to Chapter 8 of the country's Mine Health and Safety Act and require mines take "reasonably practicable measures" between trackless mobile machines (TMMs) as well as TMMs and pedestrians.

According to the company, it was the first to begin Level 9 testing in South Africa. The testing, conducted by the University of Pretoria's Vehicle Dynamics Group, align with international standard ISO21815.

Level 9 compliance regulations are projected to be finalised by the end of this year.

Anton Lourens, CEO of Booyco, explained that the Level 9 standard is one that raises the bar "significantly" as it mandates PDS systems take over TMM control automatically and bring it to a stop in dangerous situations.

"This elevates what is traditionally called a PDS into what is really a collision avoidance - or collision management - system," Lourens added. The outlines appear to be similar to current US outlines for collision avoidance technology.

The country's previous measures, Level 7 and Level 8, respectively outlined systems to warn pedestrians of their TMM proximity and systems which could deliver advisory instruction to operators.

Lourens points to Booyco's relationships with the manufacturers of TMMs for its ability to make progress in its equipment-machine testing.

"This ensures that our technology can assist to safely and effectively bring a vehicle to a standstill when required," he said.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Exploration Report 2024 (feat. Opaxe data)

A comprehensive review of exploration trends and technologies, highlighting the best intercepts and discoveries and the latest initial resource estimates.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Future Fleets Report 2024

The report paints a picture of the equipment landscape and includes detailed profiles of mines that are employing these fleets

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Digitalisation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations that use digitalisation technology to drive improvements across all areas of mining production

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Automation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations using autonomous solutions in every region and sector, including analysis of the factors driving investment decisions