Collaboration key to future of proximity detection systems in African mining, says Booyco

As African mines strive to improve safety standards while adapting to tightening regulations and rapid technological change, Booyco Electronics says stronger collaboration across the mining value chain will be critical to the future success of proximity detection systems (PDS).

Booyco Electronics CEO Anton Lourens emphasised that coordinated effort between technology providers, mining companies, original equipment manufacturers and regulators is essential for effective implementation.

“Effective PDS rollout only happens when technology suppliers, OEMs, mines and regulators work in step,” he said. “We have seen real progress, but the industry must deepen these partnerships if we want sustainable long-term success.”

Lourens noted that Booyco Electronics’ journey has mirrored the evolution of mining safety technologies over nearly two decades.

“When we first introduced what were then called collision warning systems, the technology and regulatory landscape looked very different,” he said. “Our close work with OEMs and mines over the years has ensured that our solutions evolve with their real-world operational needs.”

According to Lourens, structured change management plays a pivotal role in ensuring the successful deployment of PDS technologies.

“Phased implementation works,” he said. “When operators, supervisors and management understand the system and buy into the process, you get safer more responsive environments and far fewer disruptions.”

The introduction of South Africa’s Level 9 vehicle intervention requirement under the Mine Health and Safety framework has further intensified the need for collaboration across the sector.

“Level 9 has accelerated conversations across the industry,” Lourens explained. “But technology alone cannot overcome challenges around operator resistance, production concerns or fears of nuisance trip-outs. Those issues require engagement, communication and shared commitment.”

He stressed that mines that involve all key departments from the outset tend to achieve the most successful outcomes.

“When production, engineering, finance, HR and safety sit around the table from day one, implementation is smoother and acceptance is higher,” he said.

Lourens also highlighted the importance of risk-led planning as the foundation for any PDS rollout.

“A PDS can only protect people if the mine’s baseline risk assessment is current and aligned to its traffic management plan,” he said. “Without that foundation, you cannot determine meaningful intervention zones or identify the highest risk equipment.”

Operational readiness has emerged as another crucial factor in successful implementation.

“We often find that mines have the hardware on site, but the people, processes and infrastructure aren’t ready,” Lourens said, noting that this misalignment can result in system bypassing, deployment delays and lower acceptance among workers.

Looking ahead, he believes the industry’s shift towards sensor fusion technologies will require even deeper cooperation among suppliers and equipment manufacturers.

“Mixed fleets need interconnected technologies,” Lourens explained. “Standardised interfaces are a step forward, but genuine supplier-to-supplier collaboration is what will unlock full fleet-wide protection.”

He concluded that the complexity of modern mining safety systems means no single stakeholder can deliver effective solutions alone.

“PDS touches everything – compliance, mine planning, equipment design and behaviour on the ground. No single stakeholder can deliver all of that alone. Partnerships remain the backbone of a future ready Zero Harm mining environment.”