Mining solutions company, Probe IMT has been operational in Botswana for several years and is known for supplying a wide range of batteries, auto-electrical solutions and advanced driver assist systems at some of the biggest mines in Botswana. Now, the company is bringing its full suite of solutions to Botswana in response to market demand. These solutions, including advanced Level 9 Collision Awareness solutions (CAS), are already adding enormous value to mines across Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
Collision avoidance was ranked by 47% of mines globally and 57% of mines in Africa as the top technology that would see significant investment over the next two years, based on the 2022 GlobalData survey. While Level 9 CAS is now mandatory in South Africa and other countries around the world, Botswana has not yet implemented this requirement.
“Level 9 requires systems to automatically slow down machines and apply a controlled stop if a dangerous interaction is detected, rather than relying only on driver response to alarms. Botswana will follow suit in making this requirement mandatory, like many other countries, and we can help mines make a smooth transition without major impacts on productivity,” says Mosetlho Kenamile of Probe IMT Botswana. “At Probe IMT, we have been working with carefully selected industry-leading solutions from Wabtec to help our clients avoid the challenges of operator fatigue, sensing technology inaccuracies, unnecessary alarms during normal operations and reduced system availability – all of which can impact production.”
Kenamile says that while implementing reliable integrated systems that can comply with Level 9 requires long term commitment and solid investment in sophisticated CAS systems, the investments pay off in safety and productivity gains. “If properly implemented, these advanced proximity detection and collision awareness systems (CAS) create not only a safer, but also a more productive mine, thanks to advanced sensing technologies, sophisticated rules and intelligence and the wealth of data the systems are able to gather, analyse and feed back to the mine operators. For example, traffic flows can be managed and optimised to maximise production.”
This whole-of-mine safety aid is OEM independent as a stand-alone system. This means it is fully configurable and adaptable to site specific requirements, but still offers low total cost of ownership. CAS extensions can include integration with Driver Fatigue Monitoring Systems, Fleet Management / Dispatch Systems, machine vision and Asset Performance Management for mobile equipment.
“Since implementing CAS, also known as Collision Prevention Solutions at the mines where we operate, Probe IMT has significantly reduced the number of accidents and risk of fatalities,” says Kenamile. “These systems further save time and money that would otherwise be spent on repairs or equipment replacement, while helping to avoid regulatory fines and damage to reputation.”
Probe IMT further offers products and solutions that significantly improve the design of digital mines and data analysis through end-to-end Digital Mine Operation Solutions. Beyond the Level 9 CAS systems, the company provides bespoke safety solutions, air quality and gas monitoring, comprehensive alternative energy solutions and other specialised solutions for industrial, air, and power requirements. Auto-electrical field services, off-highway vehicle (OHV) batteries, spares, parts, and expertise in Komatsu drive systems are a core part of the offering. Recently, this has further expanded into OEM electrical harness manufacturing and electric vehicle conversions.
Kenamile says Probe has become a leader in alternative energy technologies such as lithium batteries and super capacitors as customers embrace sustainable energy solutions. “There is a major focus on the shift to renewable energy as well as finding energy solutions for remote locations.
The real game changer is efficient energy storage that enables hybrid solar solutions. As battery experts, we offer high-quality and affordable power solutions for various applications. We’re helping business and home users revolutionise their energy sources with the latest battery technologies, well-priced Tier One products, energy assessments, ongoing service, and financing options. " he elaborated and further conclude:
“We are focused on providing and supporting industry-leading solutions that improve mining safety and productivity. We’re looking forward to unlocking opportunities in Botswana as we bring our range and services to mines and other businesses operating here.”
Collision avoidance was ranked by 47% of mines globally and 57% of mines in Africa as the top technology that would see significant investment over the next two years, based on the 2022 GlobalData survey. While Level 9 CAS is now mandatory in South Africa and other countries around the world, Botswana has not yet implemented this requirement.
“Level 9 requires systems to automatically slow down machines and apply a controlled stop if a dangerous interaction is detected, rather than relying only on driver response to alarms. Botswana will follow suit in making this requirement mandatory, like many other countries, and we can help mines make a smooth transition without major impacts on productivity,” says Mosetlho Kenamile of Probe IMT Botswana. “At Probe IMT, we have been working with carefully selected industry-leading solutions from Wabtec to help our clients avoid the challenges of operator fatigue, sensing technology inaccuracies, unnecessary alarms during normal operations and reduced system availability – all of which can impact production.”
Kenamile says that while implementing reliable integrated systems that can comply with Level 9 requires long term commitment and solid investment in sophisticated CAS systems, the investments pay off in safety and productivity gains. “If properly implemented, these advanced proximity detection and collision awareness systems (CAS) create not only a safer, but also a more productive mine, thanks to advanced sensing technologies, sophisticated rules and intelligence and the wealth of data the systems are able to gather, analyse and feed back to the mine operators. For example, traffic flows can be managed and optimised to maximise production.”
This whole-of-mine safety aid is OEM independent as a stand-alone system. This means it is fully configurable and adaptable to site specific requirements, but still offers low total cost of ownership. CAS extensions can include integration with Driver Fatigue Monitoring Systems, Fleet Management / Dispatch Systems, machine vision and Asset Performance Management for mobile equipment.
“Since implementing CAS, also known as Collision Prevention Solutions at the mines where we operate, Probe IMT has significantly reduced the number of accidents and risk of fatalities,” says Kenamile. “These systems further save time and money that would otherwise be spent on repairs or equipment replacement, while helping to avoid regulatory fines and damage to reputation.”
Probe IMT further offers products and solutions that significantly improve the design of digital mines and data analysis through end-to-end Digital Mine Operation Solutions. Beyond the Level 9 CAS systems, the company provides bespoke safety solutions, air quality and gas monitoring, comprehensive alternative energy solutions and other specialised solutions for industrial, air, and power requirements. Auto-electrical field services, off-highway vehicle (OHV) batteries, spares, parts, and expertise in Komatsu drive systems are a core part of the offering. Recently, this has further expanded into OEM electrical harness manufacturing and electric vehicle conversions.
Kenamile says Probe has become a leader in alternative energy technologies such as lithium batteries and super capacitors as customers embrace sustainable energy solutions. “There is a major focus on the shift to renewable energy as well as finding energy solutions for remote locations.
The real game changer is efficient energy storage that enables hybrid solar solutions. As battery experts, we offer high-quality and affordable power solutions for various applications. We’re helping business and home users revolutionise their energy sources with the latest battery technologies, well-priced Tier One products, energy assessments, ongoing service, and financing options. " he elaborated and further conclude:
“We are focused on providing and supporting industry-leading solutions that improve mining safety and productivity. We’re looking forward to unlocking opportunities in Botswana as we bring our range and services to mines and other businesses operating here.”
