Cohda Wireless, a leader in V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) technology, and Spectrum FiftyNine, a pioneer in compact V2X module hardware, have announced what they describe as a ground-breaking collaboration to enhance safety and productivity in underground mining environments. The innovative collaboration they say provides unmatched proximity awareness between mining personnel and vehicles, reducing risk and optimising operations in challenging, confined spaces.

The technology has already seen its first deployment at Rio Tinto’s Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia’s Umnugovi province, which is one of the world’s largest copper and gold deposits. This deployment resulted from a collaborative partnership between Maptek, Cohda, and Roobuck that laid the foundation for Maptek’s next-generation proximity awareness system, VisionV2X™.

At this site, up to 2,500 mine personnel benefit from advanced safety features. Cohda Wireless and Spectrum FiftyNine believe that their technical collaboration as part of VisionV2X™ has delivered cutting-edge V2X capabilities that sets a new industry benchmark for proximity awareness in underground mines.

Maptek’s VisionV2X™ solution is now available to underground mines globally. Leveraging the V2X technology advances stemming from the Spectrum FiftyNine and Cohda Wireless collaboration, the system provides real-time vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-personnel proximity detection to help prevent interactions between mobile equipment and personnel in low-visibility environments.

Cohda Wireless’s V2X technology, already implemented in over 60% of connected vehicle trials globally, is also well established in the mining sector. Spectrum FiftyNine, headquartered in the Netherlands, brings expertise in compact V2X module hardware designed for controlled environments.

The V2X technology is designed to integrate seamlessly into Roobuck’s mining cap lamps or belt tags, providing vehicles with real-time awareness of miners nearby. Cohda Wireless’s advanced proximity detection technology allows vehicle operators to detect personnel, equipped with Spectrum FiftyNine’s smartTag device, and other vehicles, at extended ranges – even around blind corners where line of sight is blocked.

The technology operates effectively without reliance on GNSS, making it uniquely suited for underground applications.

The Spectrum FiftyNine smartTag, a compact, low-power device integrated into miners’ cap lamps, offers cost-effective, precise 802.11p V2P (vehicle-to-person) detection accuracy within three meters. The smartTag incorporates Cohda’s specialised mining firmware and works in tandem with Cohda’s MK5 hardware units installed on mining vehicles, providing seamless, reliable communications and ranging. In addition, the smartTag can alert wearers to the presence of nearby mining vehicles through a series of light flashes, further enhancing safety.

Through this technical collaboration, Cohda Wireless and Spectrum FiftyNine are advancing V2X technology and working with Maptek to provide robust and reliable solutions for proximity awareness that is expected to significantly reduce accidents and improve the operational safety of underground mines globally.

Russell Kennett, Manager Underground Technology at Oyu Tolgoi, said: “At Rio Tinto, the safety and wellbeing of our people is always our top priority. We’re proud to support the deployment of cutting-edge technology that enhances situational awareness in challenging underground environments. The Cohda Wireless and Spectrum FiftyNine V2X technology, integrated into Maptek’s VisionV2X™ proximity awareness solution and delivered in collaboration with Maptek and Roobuck at Oyu Tolgoi, demonstrates how innovation from the automotive industry can directly contribute to a safer and more efficient mining operation.”

Cohda CEO Dr Paul Gray said that the application of connected, intelligent transport solutions in the mining sector can greatly reduce the risk of injury or death whilst also helping to drive productivity gains. “Globally, there is increasing appetite for the widespread introduction of technology to reduce vehicle-related accidents, and we are delighted to be deploying this technology in a very large and prominent mine site as Oyu Tolgoi,” he explained.

“Given the nature of underground mining environments where large, powerful vehicles operate, often in very close proximity to mine personnel, the potential for injury and death from incidents is substantial. The technology we have developed with Spectrum FiftyNine is designed for personnel safety applications to be active in underground mine sites,” added Gray.

Martijn Broens, CEO and Founder of Spectrum FiftyNine said: “When we developed our first V2X module for aftermarket applications, our focus was on minimising complexity and enhancing RF performance. Through our collaboration with Cohda, we expanded into new sectors such as agriculture, warehousing, infrastructure, logistics, and mining – industries where safety is paramount,” explained Broens.

He continued: “By miniaturising our smartTag, we integrated it into mining cap lamps, creating a specialised solution for personal protective equipment. Despite its compact size and low power requirements, the smartTag maintains exceptional reliability.”

Eduardo Coloma, Maptek Global CEO said: “Maptek VisionV2X™ reflects our belief that the best outcomes in mine safety come from collaboration. By working closely with Cohda and Roobuck, we’ve brought together complementary expertise to deliver a more connected and practical proximity awareness solution for underground operations.”

Source: International Mining