IoT in Mining to Improve Worker and Equipment Health

Metals and Mining Review | Friday, August 12, 2022

The mining industry has several time-tested methods of operation and time-tested health and safety challenges. Internet of Things (IoT) technologies plays a leading role in facilitating the transformation of both industries.

FREMONT, CA: Injuries caused by falling equipment, gas explosions, accidents and spills in tailings dams, employees becoming trapped underground due to cave-ins, and the spread of dangerous gases such as methane and carbon monoxide are all serious and genuine hazards.

Safety has historically been a significant concern in the mining business. According to experts in the mining business, annual fatalities have declined significantly in recent years, but accidents can still occur on mining sites. Estimates show that mining accidents are responsible for roughly 12,000 deaths each year, and according to the International Labor Organization (ILO), mining accounts for 8 percent of fatal accidents despite employing only 1 percent of the worldwide workforce.

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These dangers have repercussions. Accidents in the mining industry result in the departure of personnel and make it more challenging to recruit new talent. Mining firms must take the health and safety of their employees exceptionally seriously, and technology provides them with the means to do so.

Digital technologies have the potential to have a profound impact on mine safety. Since many years ago, technology companies have aided in the transformation of the mining industry by providing tools and procedures, beginning with quick, dependable connectivity to assure secure data transmission across and between locations. IoT-enabled smart, connected gadgets and data analytics has brought enormous benefits to the mining industry.

Inhalation of coal dust is one of the most prevalent concerns for miners. Continuous coal dust inhalation can produce "miner's black lungs." It is characterized by shortness of breath and lung scarring. Dust is also detrimental to machine gears.

Companies can deploy IoT dust control systems to protect workers and mining machinery from contamination. They are comprised of sensors for real-time monitoring, data APIs, and analytics systems. Dust-related data are monitored and evaluated in real-time. The analytical engine then gives service engineers unique information about the dust level in the chosen areas. This enables engineers to make informed decisions regarding how to lower dust levels to make mining operations safer.

Workers are also susceptible to methane and carbon monoxide toxicity. Technology providers have developed gas detection, airflow, and ventilation monitoring devices to prevent this. These sensors measure the concentrations of hazardous and combustible gases in an environment. When a gas leak or explosion happens, personnel are notified. Additionally, sensors guarantee that airflow and ventilation are maintained at ideal levels.

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