Energy distribution, automation, communication, transportation and underground mining infrastructure roof support systems manufacturer and supplier Becker Mining South Africa will be showcasing its latest products and systems at this year’s Electra Mining Botswana exhibition, which takes place from September 1 to 3 at the Gaborone Fair Grounds.

“This exhibition is the perfect forum for Becker Mining South Africa to showcase recently launched products and systems, which include surface and underground collision-avoidance systems (CAS), the latest Smartcom very high frequency (VHF) leaky feeder system and a new belt rip detection system.

“Also on display will be locally manufactured roof support arch sets and the EMIS range of electrical energy distribution systems,” says Becker Mining South Africa electronics senior GM Andrew Trentelman.

He adds that Becker Mining South Africa maintains its commitment to providing critical services to the mining and general industries by ensuring the company uses the latest technologies when designing and manufacturing its products and systems.

Further, a specialised consulting, training and support facility ensures Becker delivers improved equipment efficiency and total worker safety.

CAS modular systems help prevent fatalities, injuries, damage and downtime resulting from vehicles on the surface or underground operating in the proximity of personnel.

“These systems, which range from a simple, low-cost single technology system, to an integrated multitechnological system, encompass all aspects of the most advanced mining communications and technology,” Trentelman states.

Becker’s latest patented tri-technology, CAS, which was launched in 2011, with four proximity-warning zones – critical, warning, caution and safe – will also be on display at Electra Mining Botswana.

“The CAS is designed to overcome the limitations of existing systems and can even bring the mine vehicle to a complete stop, should the vehicle be in critical proximity of an individual,” Trentelman explains.

The CAS system, which is installed in various mining vehicles and cap lamp battery packs, acts as an early-warning indicator to vehicle operators and pedestrians, playing a significant role in enhancing worker safety at mining operations.

In addition to core vehicular equipment, Becker’s solutions include personnel tags, vehicle tags, infrastructure and self-test equipment, as well as connectivity solutions.

The company will also be showcasing its intelligent collision avoidance system (ICAS), Becker’s latest generation of safety device, which provides situational awareness for operators, ensuring improved on-site safety. The ICAS was launched last year.

“ The ICAS is a critical safety system, encompassing the latest industrial technology to provide reliable real-time, 360° situation awareness for vehicle operators working in potentially dangerous and congested site applications, from coal pits to ports. By creating awareness and eliminating blind spots, ICAS easily identifies hazards, resulting in fewer collisions and a lower risk of injury,” Trentelman says.

The company’s latest Smartcom VHF leaky feeder system ensures dependable underground communications, owing to advanced features, which have significantly improved reliability, flexibility and maintenance requirements.

The Smartcom VHF system offers multiple simultaneous voice and data radio channels, with low intermodulation noise levels, ensuring clear and reliable communications underground at all times. This leaky feeder system, with a modular design, features optional local and remote diagnostic amplifiers with manual and automatic gain control, which ensures all installation and subsequent maintenance procedures are safe and effortless.

Becker Mining South Africa will also be showcasing the latest belt rip detection-2 (BRS-2) system, which has been designed to increase the productivity of conveyor belts by detecting belt rips as soon as they occur. The BRS-2 system was launched last year.

“The BRS-2 uses real-time loop diagnostics to continuously monitor the status of the belt and, in the event of a rip, stops the belt drives, reducing any further damage and limiting downtime,” Trentelman explains, adding that the system is also designed for monitoring belt speed, the detection of belt slip and also for belt sequence control.

Meanwhile, the EMIS range encompasses flameproof transformers and switchgear combinations, conveyor starter and distribution panels, motor control centres, custom-designed electrical distribution boards and electrical panels, as well as isolators and enclosures. EMIS electrical products for nonhazardous areas include distribution, pump, winch, flitting and cage control panels, lighting and accessories, as well as telemetry communication systems.

Finally, Becker will also showcase its steel arch support systems – with an adaptable design, which fits into any shape of excavation – at this year’s Electra Mining Botswana exhibition.

Becker’s steel arch support systems are suitable for use in friable ground in tunnel applications, including haulages, incline shaft portals and special shafts. “This engineered structure is timeless, owing to the characteristics of steel used and the mechanical properties derived for the shape of elements of the roof support system,” says Trentelman.

Mine safety is significantly enhanced by the implementation of one or a combination of Becker’s specialised multitechnological solutions. The local operation benefits from Becker’s ongoing research and development programme, where close international ties guarantee the edge on product design, impeccable manufacturing standards, cost efficiency, safety and reliability of equipment.