SAFETY
Ethernet and WiFi devices. NLT’s range of
solutions can be used over the N-Connex
network including Voice, Data and Video
solutions. Some of the solutions include:
n Voice – IP Radio Handsets and VoIP
phones can be used for two-way
voice communications
n Data – network connectivity allows
access to Intranets and the Internet
n Video – monitor critical points
through your operation
n Tracking – know where your people
and assets are via WiFi (or RFID)
Tracking and make use of NLT’s
powerful digital mine software suite
n Monitoring – ventilation, gas levels,
environmental conditions or ground
strata changes can all be monitored
over N-Connex
n PLCs – Ethernet connectivity for PLC
networks to remotely control and
monitor electrical equipment.
MST Global’s Wireless Repeater Node (WRN)
also received a 2017 Good Design Selection in
the Product Design Category. The jury
commented: “The WRN is a rugged, fit for
purpose design that has been executed
flawlessly. User controls, ergonomics, choice of
materials, fit and finish are as good as it gets.
This is an excellent product and deserves
recognition at the highest level.”
MST Global has a range of products that fit
within four main technology groups. From ULF to
VHF and UHF, through to digital Wi-Fi based
systems, MST has developed a number of
proprietary products to address particular
requirements and to complement third party
products that may be used in a system.
MST’s product suites can be used in isolation or
in combination to provide a total solution to mine
operators’ requirements. Voice communications,
data communications, people tracking, emergency
messaging, asset tracking & management,
wireless telemetry and proximity detection are all
functions delivered by these systems.
MST was the first company to broadly
International Mining | OCTOBER 2017
What are they wearing?
A key part of an MST network infrastructure
(NS50 AP/Switch) in a Russian mine
introduce Wi-Fi in underground mines in 2004.
Denis Kent, General Manager, explains “this was
done to leverage the bandwidth of Wi-Fi networks
to improve communications and track people in
the mien, a step change in safety.
“But the same technology also is being
leveraged to improve productivity.
“In fact now we have moved beyond just mine
worthy infrastructure, but into devices and
applications to deliver business value from the
collected data and available communications. An
example is how MST is an integral part of the
activities of mining companies, such as Anglo
American and Glencore, that are using Short
Interval Control to proactively monitor, analyse,
report and manage their underground processes
more effectively.”
The WRN is a specific device, just part of MST’s
much broader IMPACT Wi-Fi suite, but a new and
important element to that suite. It enables easy,
wireless connectivity in that difficult “last mile”
into the dynamic areas of the mine – the mining
faces.
Engineering the right type of PPE for mine
workers and maintenance crews is critical.
For example, in almost all mining
operations, high capacity belt conveyors
are used and they require frequent
maintenance and repair. Splicing is
hazardous work for maintenance crews.
Belts (sometimes constructed with fibre
and steel belts) have to be sliced with two-
handed box cutters before being spliced
back together with steel staples.
Maintenance crews are often positioned
on their knees during these dangerous
cutting operations and must pull knife
blades directly toward them, not the most
ideal work environment. Recordable
injuries from deep punctures and
lacerations are often serious - and in some
cases, life-threatening.
HexArmor ® engineered a new level of
protection against punctures and lacerations with
the development of a dedicated conveyor belt
chap. This was an answer to a call from a major
mining company that had been experiencing a
high level of recordable injuries (punctures and
lacerations) in its belt conveyor splicing
operations. After conducting an onsite review of
the company’s maintenance operations, and
working directly with the company’s safety
committee, HexArmor engineered a conveyor belt
chap designed to deflect the cutting blades and
knives used in belt splicing maintenance. The
result: belt conveyor maintenance and
installation injuries were completely eliminated
after the introduction of the HexArmor chap.
The company says that “HexArmor with
SuperFabric ® brand materials provides some of
the highest cut resistance in the industry today,
featuring ANSI/ISEA Level A7 and CE Level 5 cut
resistance ratings. The cut, puncture, and
abrasion resistant 9911 chap provided mine
maintenance workers with full front and back leg
coverage plus a double-layer knee patch to
reduce wear in specific splicing task positions.
“The 9911 Chap was developed with extra