Modern Quarrying Q2 2024

SAFETY

The Booyco PDS has become synonymous with ensuring safety on surface mining sites.

committed – engineering, mining, maintenance and organised labour led by the mine’s management. This will ensure that information is relayed to the rest of organisation. If all pillars are not involved from the start, there is misalignment of expectations,” says Lourens. “Change management needs to review risk assessments, scope of works, the understanding of the technology and the limitations it may have. This is specific to the operation as no single technology fits all requirements” Lourens says that the process involves multiple engagements or interactions from Booyco Electronics’ side. “Initially numerous assessments are done, we fulfil training needs, and can assist with traffic flow analyses while considering traffic management plans. These are then implemented and there may be subsequent rounds of engagements. Our interaction differs from operation to operation as it is dependent on the size of the operation and how extensive the implementation of PDSs on a specific operation is,” concludes Lourens. Booyco Electronics offers refresher courses as well as a continuous optimisation process with which it supports the continued effectiveness of the deployed technology. l

Successful implementation of PDS requires a holistic approach that places value on technology and people.

behaviour and understanding of the reason for the technology. “The second part includes a technical readiness assessment and understanding how the technology will impact the mine and maintenance. This includes how the person understands the purpose, benefits, and capabilities of the technology,” explains Lourens. “Booyco Electronics has a sense that it has to drive change management and has offered to assist customers with this critical process so they get the most value out of their PDS investment. We have found that some mines have good change management training departments and some don’t. Depending on the level of need from the customers, we will assist and put in place a process to successfully adopt the new technologies,” says Lourens. “The people aspect is the most important aspect of the PDS journey, and I believe it is more important than the technology itself.” The entire supply chain must commit The deployment of this PDS technology has an impact on the mining operation and all the pillars within it. “All the stakeholders need to be

MODERN QUARRYING QUARTER 2 | 2024 34