Wireless sensing applications in the mining and minerals industry

Abstract

This paper discusses and outlines applications of wireless sensing technology in the mining and minerals industry to provide enhanced assistance to mining machines. Three major applications can be performed by radar systems, such as surface profiling, positioning and collision avoidance. Radar sensors offer significant advantages compared to laser and ultrasonic in tough environments like rain, dust, fog and snow. The information received from the sensors can be used to increase the automation level and to advance the safety in the mine plus furthermore increase the turnover of mining companies. Underground communication systems and machine diagnostics are also discussed in this paper. Several applications were determined as highly feasible and are now completed respectively in the implementation stage. The authors are giving an insight into the experimental results, the implementation and an outlook of further use for this technology.