Safety of plant, equipment + people: Products + services
Industry alignment will advance mine safety
engineering, finance, HR and safety sit around the table from day one, implementation is smoother and acceptance is higher,” he says. Lourens adds that risk-led planning is non-negotiable. “A PDS can only protect people if the mine’s baseline risk assessment is current and aligned with its traffic management plan,” he says. “Without that foundation, you cannot determine meaningful intervention zones or identify the highest risk equipment.” Operational readiness
As African mines move towards higher safety standards and respond to tightening regulations and rapid technological change, Booyco Electronics says the future of proximity detection systems (PDS) will be shaped by strong long-term industry collaboration. Booyco Electronics CEO Anton Lourens says aligning efforts across the mining value chain is essential. “Effective rollout of PDS only happens when technology suppliers, OEMs, mines and regulators work in step,” he says. “We have seen real progress but the industry needs to deepen these partnerships if we want sustainable long term success.” Reflecting on nearly two decades of innovation, Lourens notes that Booyco Electronics has grown alongside the sector. “When we first introduced what were then called collision warning systems, the technology and regulatory landscape looked very different,” he says. “Working closely with OEMs and mines over the years, we have ensured that our solutions evolve with their real-world operational needs.” A key factor for PDS success, he explains, is structured change management. “Phased implementation works,” he says. “When operators, supervisors and management understand the system and buy into the process, you get safer more responsive environments and far fewer disruptions.” The introduction of South Africa’s Level 9 vehicle intervention requirement has intensified the need for collaboration. “Level 9 has accelerated conversations across the industry,” Lourens says. “But technology alone cannot overcome challenges around operator resistance, production concerns or fears of nuisance trip-outs. Those issues require engagement, communication and shared commitment.” He emphasises that mines involving all key departments from the outset see the best outcomes. “When production,
has emerged as another critical success factor. “We often find that mines have the hardware on site but the people, processes and infrastructure aren’t ready,” he says. That misalignment leads to bypassing, delays and low acceptance. The operational readiness assessments help close that gap before deployment begins.
Successful PDS implementation depends on strong alignment of technology suppliers, OEMs, mines and regulators working together towards shared Zero Harm objectives.
Lourens says the shift towards sensor fusion will depend on greater industry cooperation. “Mixed fleets need interconnected technologies,” he explains. “Standardised interfaces are a step forward, but genuine supplier-to-supplier collaboration is what will unlock full fleet-wide protection.” He emphasises the importance of collaboration. “PDS touches everything – compliance, mine planning, equipment design and behaviour on the ground. No single stakeholder can deliver all that. Partnerships remain key to a future-ready Zero Harm mining environment.”
For more information visit: www.booyco-electronics.com
Fully rugged notebook for teams on the move
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The TOUGHBOOK 33 is a 12.0” fully rugged notebook with hot swappable twin batteries, detachable keyboard with optional backlit keys, and highly configurable capabilities. It offers flexibility and performance for mobile business computing, With its detachable keyboard design and six usage modes, the TOUGHBOOK 33 2 in 1 DETACHABLE is ideal for mobile workers such as field service workers, maintenance teams, and service technicians in utilities and
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The TOUGHBOOK 33 fully rugged notebook is engineered for teams on the go and working in harsh environments.
For more information email: sales@vepac.co.za
APRIL 2026 Electricity + Control
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