Lighting plays an important role in mining, as it is vital to be visually aware of potential mine and machinery-related safety hazards, as well as to allow for accommodating working conditions in the dark.

Germany-based mining industry lighting specialist Hella Mining responded to the lighting challenges in the mining industry by developing a new optical system, known as Zero Glare.

Hella Mining sales manager Oswald Olckers explains that, as an industry standard, mining-related lighting equipment needs to provide at least 10 lux of illuminance at 20 m. Upholding this standard is a challenge in certain operating conditions with poor visibility.

Olckers says, in conditions with limited visibility, mines, traditionally, add increasingly more luminaires to their mining equipment to enable operators to work safely. Although this assists in improving visibility when operators are performing tasks, it poses a safety risk to oncoming traffic, as these lights create glare, blinding the operators of oncoming vehicles.

Once Hella Mining became aware of the problem, it created the Zero Glare optical system, which includes a five-year warranty on all electrical components.

This lighting technology has been incorporated into the company’s RokLUME range, which includes zero-glare versions of Hella Mining’s heavy-duty RokLUME 380 N and RokLUME 280 N worklights, with an output of 7 500 lumens (lm) and 4 300 lm respectively. They are also available in five light-distribution choices – zero glare, close-range illumination, long-range illumination, pencil beam and flood lighting. The RokLUME range was launched in 2016 to replace the AS5000 range of light-emitting diode heavy-duty worklights.

Olckers explains that advanced design technologies and assembly robotics have ensured that RokLUME is fully sealed and submersible to prevent dust and water from entering the worklight.

RokLUME also has an advanced NanoSafe nonstick, easy-to-clean and -install surface coating. The RokLUME lens comprises an impact-resistant hardened polycarbonate compound, with a stainless steel bracket and a premium-grade, anticorrosion aluminium housing. Adverse effects caused by vibration are reduced through an advanced rubber dampening system.

Technologies aimed at boosting productivity, such as Hella Mining’s RokLUME lighting solutions, are one of the main reasons why exhibition organiser Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery encourages attendance of this year’s Electra Mining Botswana exhibition and conference. Other reasons include learning about the newest business solutions, sourcing products and services directly from local and international exhibitors, viewing daily live demonstrations and engaging with experts.

Hella Mining’s Zero Glare lighting solution will not be on display at this year’s Electra Mining Botswana conference, which is being held at the Gaborone fairgrounds from September 12 to 14, as the company has decided to only attend the event.

Hella exhibited at Electra Mining Botswana in 2014, but a poor turnout at the time has prompted the company to take advantage of the “excellent opportunities” to network with other key industry players as an attendee, as well as to hand out brochures. Olckers concludes by explaining that, if this year’s event is a success, Hella Mining will be sure to secure their place at the next Electra Mining event.