For worker’s safety and the optimal logistics management in the mine, we need a mine navigation system to know the position information of the mining wagons. There is a number methods for navigating in the wide dark tunnels in underground mines, including a solution that consists of battery-based transmitter tags in the tunnels and receivers on the loader trucks.
In order to obtain sufficient reading performance from with such battery-based tags, a relatively low frequency is used. On top of the battery run-out problem, the low frequency also means low localization precision since low-frequency antennas can not easily be made with a directional communication zone.
One of the most important merits with a mine navigation system is that this provides a quick method for the truck driver to instantly know his position and what to do; a quick look at the computer screen in the loader to instantly provides all the information he needs. This information also offers a basis for decision e.g. about where to load, how much to load and where to go with the load. Instant analysis of the load quality tells the logistics system whether to stop loading from a specific location, or if it is likely that there will be more to find.
With a Scirocco reader on the loader truck and tags at strategic locations along the tunnels, the onboard computer is regularly updated and can present the relevant information on its screen in the driver’s cabin. By means of WLAN connection, the central system can be online with the loader, to get updated and to decide where to send the next loader. By at all times knowing the loader’s position and its load of material, the most effective driveways can be calculated, with the overall result that the high-value loaders can be more effectively utilized.