Axis Communications > Case Studies > Enhancing Safety in Mining Operations through IoT

Enhancing Safety in Mining Operations through IoT

Technology Category

Other - Battery
Sensors - Camera / Video Systems

Applicable Industries

Equipment & Machinery
Mining

Use Cases

Behavior & Emotion Tracking
Structural Health Monitoring

Services

System Integration

The Customer

Not disclosed

About The Customer

The customer in this case is a mining company operating in the North Bohemian brown coal basin. The company uses large mining machines, specifically the K10000/K74, to carry out surface mining operations. However, the presence of unexploded Nazi ammunition from the second World War in the mining area posed a significant risk to the operators of the mining machines. The control cabin of the mining machine was located dangerously close to the excavator, putting the operator at risk of potential explosions. The company needed a solution that would allow the controls to be moved to a safer location within the mining machine without compromising its functions or possibilities.

The Challenge

Surface mining in the North Bohemian brown coal basin presented a unique challenge due to the presence of unexploded Nazi ammunition from the second World War. The control cabin of the K10000/K74 mining machine was located dangerously close to the excavator, posing a risk of potential explosions that could endanger the operator’s life and health. The mission was to move the controls to a safer location within the mining machine and use a camera system to provide the operator with the same view as from the original cabin. This nonstandard requirement posed a significant challenge for the integrator, as it had to devise a unique custom-made solution without compromising the mining machine’s functions or possibilities.

The Solution

The solution was based on ENELEX’s long-term experience with Axis IP cameras. A total of 18 AXIS Q3505-VE Network Cameras were installed to deliver video to three different locations, providing a secure working environment for employees. The cameras were installed directly on the control cabin and fed five vertical monitors in the control room. The system was designed to be autonomous, automatically starting up when the machine is turned on, and each of the power nodes has a separate back-up battery to keep the system running even in emergencies. The system uses Milestone’s XProtect® video management software and was designed with the utmost autonomy, as the giant excavator operators cannot be distracted by any camera settings.

Operational Impact

The implementation of the Axis IP cameras has significantly improved the safety of mining operations. The cameras provide the operator with a view of the surroundings when moving the mining machine and of all its vital components. This has eliminated the risk to the operator's life while mining in dangerous zones. The system is built autonomously, automatically starting up when the machine is turned on, and each of the power nodes has a separate back-up battery to keep the system running even in emergencies. The operator now has a better view than before, thanks to the two cameras on the control cabin that have a viewing angle exceeding 180°. The system has also improved the capacity to monitor and respond to potential threats, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Quantitative Benefit

18 AXIS Q3505-VE Network Cameras were installed to deliver video to three different locations.
The two cameras on the control cabin have a viewing angle exceeding 180°, providing a better view than the operator had previously.
The system is built autonomously, automatically starts up when the machine is turned on.