As quarry operators place greater emphasis on workplace safety, investment in Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) and Collision Prevention Systems (CPS) is gaining momentum. Once regarded as slow adopters of safety technology, the sector is increasingly investing in solutions that not only meet legislative requirements but also address the practical and financial realities of quarry operations.

According to Booyco Electronics CEO Anton Lourens, demand for PDS/CPS solutions has risen notably over the past six months across both the quarrying and mining sectors, reflecting a broader shift towards proactive risk management. While compliance with safety legislation remains an important driver, operators are increasingly recognising the role of these technologies in preventing incidents and creating safer working environments.

“Safety has become a strategic priority for many operations,” Lourens says. “Beyond meeting legislative requirements, quarry operators are investing in technologies that help  mitigate risk and improve overall operational safety.”

One of the key factors supporting wider adoption is improved interoperability between PDS technologies and mobile equipment. Advances in interface kits, together with growing collaboration between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), independent interface providers and technology suppliers, have simplified the integration of collision prevention systems across mixed equipment fleets.

The adoption of the ISO 21815 standard has further strengthened this process by providing a technology-neutral communication protocol that enables different systems to work together more effectively, streamlining implementation across the industry.

For quarry operators, however, adopting PDS/CPS technology requires solutions that are bespoke to the realities of their operating environments. Lourens says successful implementation depends on tailoring each solution to the site’s unique operating conditions.

“No two operations are the same. Every implementation begins with a detailed assessment of the fleet, traffic patterns and operating practices to ensure the system delivers effective detection without compromising productivity,” he explains.

Cost remains another important consideration for quarry operators, many of whom operate on tighter margins than larger mining companies. Booyco Electronics believes, however, that safety technology should not be determined by the size or financial capacity of an operation.

“We do not believe there should be different levels of safety capability for different operations,” Lourens says. “Our focus is on improving our own development and manufacturing efficiencies so that advanced collision prevention technology remains accessible to both large mines and smaller quarrying businesses.”

Successful deployment also depends on effective change management. Lourens notes that engineering teams typically focus on regulatory compliance, while operational managers prioritise production and equipment availability. Bringing these stakeholders together through clear communication and training, and ensuring adoption, is essential to achieving both safety and operational objectives.

Looking ahead, Lourens expects collision prevention technology to continue evolving through the integration of multiple sensing technologies rather than relying on a single detection solution.

“The future lies in combining technologies such as low-frequency communication, GPS, radar and camera-based systems etc, to deliver more reliable and adaptable collision prevention solutions,” he says. “As these technologies continue to evolve, the industry will be better positioned to deliver sustainable, cost-effective safety solutions that support the goal of zero harm.”