Capital Equipment News January-February 2024

MINING NEWS

A surge in demand for Proximity Detection Systems

Booyco Electronics, an original equipment manufacturer specialising in mine safety equipment, has witnessed a rise in demand for its Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) and Collision Prevention Systems (CPS) since the regulation’s promulgation. These systems offer crucial vehicle-to-pedestrian and vehicle-to-vehicle detection capabilities. Anton Lourens, CEO of Booyco Elec tronics, notes that South Africa’s mining industry has proactively adopted technol ogies and innovative products to foster behavioural changes in pursuit of safety. With stricter mine safety legislation, the company is focused on ensuring compliance with South African proximity detection and collision prevention systems requirements. Lourens says the Minerals Council of South Africa played a pivotal role in understanding and mediating around this regulation and identified concerns related to equipment supply, in stallation, and maintenance. In addition to implementing PDS systems, some mining houses are keen to take ownership of prod uct maintenance, requiring comprehensive training for their personnel, which creates Winder Controls celebrates 50 years of innovation and service excellence Supporting innovation and focusing on the agile provision of solutions to its clients has ensured the ongoing success of shaft-hoist ing specialist Winder Controls. This has led to a large installed base in multiple countries, with significant growth from our humble beginnings 50 years ago, says MD Tim Keegan. Winder Controls is unique in its ability to provide flexible, practical solutions to its clients. While being large enough to comfortably take on large projects' signif icant bonding and risk requirements, the company remains committed to maintain ing a dynamic approach to problem-solv ing and specialised solutions. Keegan states that 2023 has been a significant milestone for Winder Controls, saying: “We are most grateful for the support of our clients, and while cele brating our 50 years of experience in the design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning and servicing of high-qual ity hoisting and associated equipment, we reflect on the depth of our rich mining history.” Further to targeted mergers and

further opportunities for Booyco Electronics to expand its workforce. “Significantly, South Africa was the first country to regulate PDS deploy ment in mining, attracting interest and engagement locally and internationally,” Lourens says. Booyco Electronics, in business for over 17 years, has evolved its product line to meet diverse opera tional needs. However, Lourens empha sises that PDS alone cannot guarantee safety improvements and that overall CPS success hinges on buy-in from all stakeholders implemented through an integrated approach. “The mining industry’s appetite for technology adoption varies, but most have embraced advanced technology systems, including PDS and CPS. Better connectivity and data management are also priorities, aiding in safety, efficiency, and productivity enhancement,” he adds. The company, which is expanding its African footprint, has a presence in Congo, Ghana, Namibia, and Zambia and has been appointing collaborative technology partners in areas with a similar mode of operation to that of South African mines.

Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) and Collision Prevention Systems (CPS) offer crucial vehicle-to-pedestrian and vehicle to-vehicle detection capabilities.

Lourens says digital twin technology is also gaining traction, enabling real-time scenario simulations for risk mitiga tion, traffic management, analyses, and movement monitoring. Booyco Electronics remains committed to helping industries save lives and reduce injuries through its innovative technology. b

acquisitions, Winder Controls today compris es the best elements of the original Winder Controls, Blane & Co. Engineers, and Siemag South Africa. This combination seamlessly integrates the compa ny’s industry-leading technical excellence in electrical and automa tion, mechanical, and hydraulic engineering while retaining and building on decades of

An example of rope-handling equipment from Winder Controls.

installed product base and specialist knowledge in the hoisting industry. The company’s association with the Siemag Tecberg Group has broadened its product base to include state-of-the art rope-handling equipment, pressure exchange energy recovery systems, specialised winder brake callipers, and other equipment. Engineering and man agement collaboration has ensured global knowledge transfer and ongoing client interaction. In addition to providing practical solutions to its clients, Winder Controls places high value on its employees, the

requirements of shareholders, and the communities in which it operates, with the company managing to retain 100% of its personnel through the Covid-19 pan demic. “We have experienced significant peaks and troughs in the hoisting market over the years. Our strategic decision to focus primarily on an excellent core of technical skills has enabled us to ride out the storms based on delivering invaluable expertise to our clients,” stresses Keegan. As a certified ISO 9001:2015 company, Winder Controls continually strives to enhance its client service and experience by improving its systems and tools. b

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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JAN - FEB 2024