Advanced lighting solutions
How advanced lighting solutions help mines improve safety and productivity
Inadequate lighting in mining operations and on mining equipment remains a major cause of dangerous events. Studies show the major impact poor lighting can have when it comes to exhaustion, alertness and reaction time. When miners work in poorly lit areas, it affects not only their productivity, but also increases safety risks such as falls and fatigue. New generation lighting solutions are essential for improving both safety and productivity in the mining industry, says Gert Roselt, CEO of mining solutions company Probe IMT.
By investing in advanced, customised lighting systems, mining companies can create optimal working environments that help boost overall profitability, according to Roselt. “Outdated lighting sources such as fluorescent lights, incandescent bulbs and HID lamps should be replaced by advanced LED lighting technologies that not only provide greater safety for workers, they optimise efficiency and performance. With tailored illumination for specific applications, miners can work safely and more efficiently, while energy consumption is minimised.”
Roselt says enhanced visibility for workers allows more efficient workflows – further improving output. “Illuminating machinery and equipment properly with LEDs avoids accidents that lead to expensive downtime. Brighter lights mean higher production.”
THE GREEN LIGHT
Energy-efficient LED lights also offer significant environmental benefits that can help mining companies meet their sustainability goals and reduce their carbon footprint, says Roselt “Mining companies can save on energy consumption, resulting in lower emissions of greenhouse gases. LED lights are more robust, dependable and long-lasting. This reduces the need to replace them frequently, minimising costs and the materials used in production and disposal. The low heat emission and radiation levels of LED lights further protect miners from the potential health hazards associated with other forms of lighting.”
THE ROI OF LED
Global lighting brand Vision X is the partner of choice for Probe IMT. “These LED lights offer an impressive increase in energy efficiency over older technologies, while also providing up to 80% brighter light output,” says Roselt. He highlights a Vision X study on light plant fixtures, analysing an OEM 60W versus a new Vision X LED 100W on a plant with 8 fixtures operating for 12 hours a day. For a total upgrade cost of $7,000, Vision X LED fixtures delivered $99,120 in savings over 5 years.
“In Vision X we have found a partner that provides advanced lighting solutions to meet the unique needs of every mining environment. Vision X delivers the results our clients need, with excellent return on investment.”
BENEFITS OF CUSTOMISED DESIGNS
When it comes to productivity, the customised lighting designs offered by Vision X further support both work performance and well-being, according to Roselt. “Designers can create customised lighting configurations optimally suited to meet the harsh requirements of underground mines, helping miners work safely and efficiently even in challenging environments. Well-designed lighting arrays support better visibility with less energy consumption, which leads to improved operational efficiency and cost savings.”
Rather than providing generic light heads for equipment, Vision X considers both the equipment model and ore base to create a custom lighting configuration. A 3D model is built to the customer’s specifications, then carried over into a simulation rendering, ensuring the final product will meet the customer’s lighting requirements. Vision X detailed fit-out guides show a visual representation of light when placed on equipment to ensure placement meets our customers’ expectations.
Every fit-out is designed specifically for each piece of equipment, helping to reduce or eliminate unscheduled maintenance, minimize wear on associated equipment, increase light output in the work area and reduce glare on peripheral equipment. The result is improved visibility for maximum safety and efficiency – critical for mining operations.
Ranges include mining equipment lighting for haul trucks, dozers, graders, loaders, excavators, hydraulic shovels, blast hole drills, P&H rope shovels. Lighting solutions are also provided for underground equipment, draglines, commercial fleet trucks, forklifts and light towers.
“Ultimately – customised LED lighting solutions offer increased safety and productivity for miners, while also delivering cost savings and helping to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint,” says Roselt. Investing in these advanced lighting solutions is an investment in the future – one that will help mining companies achieve greater profitability while keeping their workers safe.”
For more information on how Vision X lighting solutions can help mining companies to operate safely and efficiently, visit www.probeimt.co.za or contact the Probe IMT team at +27 (0) 86 111 3507