Messaging  |   Control rooms  |  2023-08-30

Hexagon partners with MMG to Deploy Australia’s first Operator Alertness System in an Underground Mine

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

MMG wanted a solution that would help detect fatigue in their operators while being reliable in a complex underground environment.

Hexagon has partnered with MMG, an international producer of base metals, to deploy the HxGN MineProtect Operator Alertness System (OAS) on 11 underground mining trucks at their Rosebery mine in Tasmania, Australia. Currently accepted as standard in surface mining, Hexagon and MMG completed Australia’s first application of OAS to underground mining trucks to reduce risks and further strengthen operator safety.

MMG wanted a solution that would help detect fatigue in their operators while being reliable in a complex underground environment. HxGN MineProtect OAS works in both light and dark conditions to provide real-time notifications to operators, empowering them to act should they experience fatigue or distraction.

The technology was easy for MMG to integrate into its systems to provide its operators with an additional safety check during their 12-hour shifts. Hexagon and MMG worked together to ensure the project was introduced seamlessly, from procurement to user acceptance testing and implementation.

Rosebery mine General Manager Steve Scott said MMG continues to look at new and innovative ways to enhance safety across the mine site.

“Our number one value is we always think safety first, and nothing is more important than ensuring all our people go home safely at the end of each day,” he said.

“We recognise that with long shifts, fatigue can become a hazard and Hexagon’s technology enables us to continue to assess the fatigue risk of our underground truck operators in real time.”

“We’re excited to see Hexagon’s Operator Alertness System being deployed in an underground operation for the first time, and we appreciate MMG’s dedication to keeping their workers safe. The deployment of our OAS is already providing valuable data for their operation and making a difference in the safety of MMG’s workers. We look forward to continued partnership towards their long-term success,” said Simon Stone, Vice President, APAC, Hexagon’s Mining division.