MSHA announces mobile equipment rule

The U.S. Department of Labor announced a final rule from its Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to help protect miners from accidents, injuries and fatalities related to surface mobile equipment. The rule requires mine operators to have written safety programs for surface mobile equipment – excluding belt conveyors – at surface mines and underground mines’ surface areas. The programs…

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No more ‘bubble zones’: Matrix unveils collision avoidance using VAI

An intelligent collision avoidance system is in testing now that not only makes miners safer – without using tags and personal devices – but also allows users to pool data from machine interactions for use anytime. Edited by Donna Schmidt Matrix Design Group has created a system ideal for any mobile equipment unit, using Visual Artificial Intelligence (VAI) to detect…

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GroundHog launches app for mining construction crews

California technology provider GroundHog has launched its newest application, GroundHog Construction Crews, designed specifically for construction crews working in underground mines. The new app streamlines communication and collaboration by allowing crew members in construction, electrical and I&T to access real-time information about work items on their pass-down sheets (also called PLODs in Australia) for a number of actions, such as…

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Thinking Water

North American Mining talks to two experts about the principles, challenges and opportunities of water management in underground mines.  By Jonathan Rowland Environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies are now playing a much more significant role in the life of businesses. Traditionally, these have tended to place heavy emphasis on climate change and the need to reduce carbon emissions. While…

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MSHA announces pillar collapse initiative

In November, MSHA announced a pillar collapse program that has spotlighted limestone mines but could also have an impact on other commodity operations. The agency noted that, since October 2020, four massive pillar collapses have occurred in limestone mines. Each was accompanied by a powerful air blast and the formation of a large surface sinkhole.   Fortunately, no injuries were reported…

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Virtual reality hazard awareness training program developed

Underground and surface mines can be hazardous places, so when it comes to safety training in the mining profession, the old saying “practice makes perfect” holds true. To improve hazard safety instruction, a team at South Dakota Mines has spent the past year developing a virtual reality (VR) training module that mimics a mining environment.

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