Page 11 - Energize September 2021 HR

NEWS

Keeping miners safe from lightning Nowcast high-precision lightning detection
Manas explains that Blitz-Detect uses the

Keeping miners safe from lightning and minimising downtime as system, which is powered by a national array
the industry helps SA’s ailing economy to recover of already-installed physical sensors that are
connected to a central server. The sensors
detect the electromagnetic waves emitted by
ust like our rugby team, South Africa’s mining industry is perennially familiar with the concept lightning strokes with the greatest degree of
of making a comeback. The industry is currently providing an unexpected lift to the local precision.
Jeconomy, which is slowly recovering from the biggest contraction we have seen in 100 years. 1
While this is good news, the summer lightning season is on the horizon, and so mining This enhanced detection system provides
companies across the spectrum are well-advised to consider implementing the most effective industry leading detection accuracy (average
solutions possible to detect lightning storms, thereby protecting lives, while also optimising of 75m) and efficiency (99% of all lightning
operational efficiency for all outdoor mining activities. strikes). Blitz-Detect’s Nowcast system
So says Trevor Manas, the managing director of lightning detection company, Blitz-Detect, provides the mining community with the
who explains, “Mining operations that take place in open areas are very vulnerable to lightning. following benefits:
This is mainly because there is no place outside that is safe from lightning. Mine workers working • Accuracy: Blitz-Detect’s networked
in open cast areas, carrying out maintenance work or working with flammable materials, used for array of antennas allows for the precise
explosives purposes, are particularly vulnerable to being victims of lightning stroke. positioning of cloud-to-ground and intra-
“Fires and explosions pose a constant threat to the safety of miners and to the productive cloud lightning strokes in real time.
capacity of mines and can cause devastating industrial disasters. It’s therefore very important for • Early warnings: Nowcast’s rTNT algorithm
2
mining operations to be able to meticulously monitor, detect and predict the presence of lightning calculates lightning cells in real time,
with the highest degree of accuracy.” with cell tracking, allowing the accurate
He adds, “Modern mining operations understand the health and safety requirement of prediction of where lightning cells will
lightning safety systems. However, many lightning detection systems in existence are known move over the following hour to hour and
to offer a high percentage of false alarms when it comes to lightning warnings. While a false a half. The highly accurate tracking and
positive lightning alarm will not cause harm to human lives, it does cause down-time in the mine’s prediction algorithm provides safe and
operation, which in turn leads to an unnecessary loss of revenue. efficient operation of outdoor activities
“The introduction of the Nowcast system into South Africa monitors lightning strikes in a and minimises false alarms.
very different way from before, making lightning detection and early warning predictions for the • Lightning safety: One to two hours before
mining industry ultra-precise and therefore more effective. Its cutting-edge technology, which uses a storm cell arrives at a defined alarm
algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) to track and predict lightning occurrence within the next region, the exact time of arrival, duration
60 to 80 minutes, provides a solution that protects human lives optimally, while saving time and and passing of the thunderstorm is
money by significantly reducing or eliminating those false lightning detection alarms. At the same calculated. The Blitz-Detect team of
time, the capital outlay is a fraction of what has been required previously.” lightning experts then provide lightning
safety plans specifically tailored to each
mine’s requirements, to ensure safe
operation of all outdoor activities.
The Nowcast system provides automatic
warnings via email or text messages as well
as audible and visible alarms. Other features
include a unique web-based interface for
each customer, which is set up according to
the user’s specific needs, and a cost-effective,
monthly subscription-based pricing structure,
which requires no upfront outlay.
“Blitz-Detect’s cutting-edge technology,
in combination with our site-specific lightning
safety plans, enables mines to operate more
safely and efficiently, minimising down-
time and safeguarding human lives. As the
mining industry continues to shine a ray of
light into South Africa’s embattled economy,
the accuracy of the system and its low
monthly costs work together in a virtuous
combination, thereby helping to make every
rand count and maximise profit margins,”
concludes Manas.

Contact Trevor Manas, Blitz-Detect, Phone
083 377-2844, trevor@blitz-detect.co.za

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