Nedap AVI

Automatic identification for the mining industry

The mining industry is characterized by harsh environmental conditions. Moreover mining sites are based on remote locations, requiring systems with high reliability and low maintenance. The challenge within this industry is therefore to find systems that can offer reliable and convenient identification for several locations on the mine premises.

Perimeter security

First of all mining companies have a large premises on which their activities are performed. In order to secure the premises access to the premises should be restricted to authorized vehicles only. For the access control of people on the premises, normally an access control system is in place. People are equipped with access control badges. However for vehicle access, presenting the badge, can often result in traffic congestion around the gates. Additionally to identify trucks and passenger vehicles often two proximity antennas need to be installed at two different heights.

The TRANSIT AVI system allows vehicles to activate gates and doors far enough in advance to eliminate the need for vehicles to stop. This reduces a critical and potential security choke point at the mining premises vehicle entrance.

Combined driver & vehicle ID based on existing access control badges

Access control badges are normally already in use for the identification of people to gain access to restricted areas on the premises. These access badges can be applied in combination with a Combi-Booster device. The Combi-Booster is an transponder, mounted behind the windshield of a vehicle and programmed with a vehicle ID. The access control badge can be inserted into this unit, that will transmit both the driver and vehicle ID over long-range. The combined driver & vehicle identification increases security as you know exactly who was driving which vehicle. Additionally you can also monitor flexible driver and vehicle situations. By using the NEDAP TRANSIT system in combination with the Combi-Booster you are able to identify driver and vehicle simultaneously and yet give totally hands-free access to the mining site.

Safety is being improved by eliminating the need for drivers to reach out a vehicle window for a stationary reader, typically associated with card-only vehicle access.

Multiple passenger ID offers the track record required for OHS issues

OHS issues are becoming increasingly important for mining officials, especially with the focus on liability. It is therefore important to have a track record, about the people that are on site at a particular moment. This requires that all vehicle and drivers need to be identified.
Also all employees in the busses, which transport employees from their accommodation to the mine site, will need to be identified. Controlling this manually results in congestion and reduced traffic throughput as everybody will need to get off the bus. By means of the Multi-Booster, the vehicle and multiple passengers can be identified automatically ensuring quick traffic throughput and accurate collection of passenger ID information.

The Multi-Booster will allow for controlled access of the vehicle and the passengers without the need to present all badges to a security guard.

Process automation

The vehicle identification system can also be applied to automate the process of handling vehicles on the mining premises. The fixed contractors that come on site can automatically be identified and when authorized are provided access control to the premises. The vehicle can then be guided to the designated area, where the vehicle will need to loaded/unloaded. The vehicle can be identified at the weighing bridges, and weighing information can be linked to the vehicle ID number. By identifying the vehicle at several locations on the premises the process of handling vehicle can be automated and data concerning the vehicle and the transaction can linked to the vehicle ID number in the back end system.

Environmental conditions

The mining industry is characterized by harsh environmental conditions. This requires equipment that can withstand these challenging conditions. Furthermore as many locations might be very remote, the system also needs to be extremely reliable, and should not require maintenance. The TRANSIT system can offer reliable identification in these challenging environments. Additionally once set up the system does not require any maintenance. The TRANSIT reader continues to operate even under harsh environmental conditions.

Applications include:

• Access control
• Weighing
• Loading/ ulnloading
• Controlling traffic flow
• Yard management
• Time & attendance