Crinum, which now operates in its new East section after moving from the South earlier this year, needed a system to track personnel and machine access to the longwall panel for rescuer numbers and ventilation reasons.

Each of Crinum East’s longwall panels have a limited number of self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs) in caches which restricts the safe number of personnel permitted in the area.

Also, the available ventilation quantity governs how much diesel equipment can operate at any one time.

“By using the Access Control features in the ImPact Tracking System, the software can be set up to count personnel and machines entering an area and can automatically trigger stop signs at the longwall entrance should the numbers exceed the allowable limit,” MST’s Denis Kent said on Crinum’s use of the tracking system.

“Additionally, the mine also wanted to be able to better manage the general movement of machines, implements and personnel to better manage their underground activities, particularly during the longwall moves.”

The mine considered various solutions before choosing ImPact Tracking. The initial system comprised 12 strategically placed ImPact Wireless Access Points (WAPs) connected via the dedicated composite fibre and power cable, 140 vehicle tags and 140 Integrated Communications Cap Lamp (ICCL) tags, combined with AeroScout’s MobileView software.

The mine has a number of existing ICCLs and has been using MST’s PED for several years as its primary emergency communication system.

“The unique ability to integrate the active RFID tags into the mine’s existing ICCL units, as well as the new ICCLs, streamlined the installation requirements,” Kent said.

He added Crinum also selected MST’s technology for the flexibility and ease of use.

“Client-specific customisation, little need for IT intervention and web browser capabilities were all major factors in the mine’s choice,” he said.

The initial installation will be rolled out into non-hazardous areas and will then be extended into the Intrinsically Safe (IS) sections of the mine within 12 months.

Additional access points will also be deployed to increase signal coverage underground to allow the use of MST’s VoIP phone for two-way voice communications when IS approvals are completed.