New technology makes LKAB’s mines in Sweden even safer
Safety First is always the top priority for LKAB and, with a digital solution from Epiroc, safety can be improved even more. Via a smartphone application, workers get positioning support, navigation assistance and the possibility to receive alerts and emergency information with receipt confirmation.
The necessary infrastructure is already in place. Thanks to new technology, a faster means of notifying people in the event of an emergency is now a reality.
“We want to shorten the time from when an alarm goes off to when everyone is safe, and we believe this digital solution can help us with that,” says Joel Kangas, LKAB’s Kiruna mine manager.
A new digital safety solution is being tested
As a part of the historic transformation plan, LKAB is setting a new world standard for mining where digitalisation is an important step towards easier, safer, and more efficient work in the mine. The mobile-safety solution project started in the autumn and the plan is for several modules of the solution to be tested in the Kiruna mine during the spring of 2023.
“Collaborations with customers are crucial for finding innovative solutions. This project demonstrates the potential for digital transformation in the mining industry, bringing us one step closer to a smarter and more efficient future,” says Andreas Ericson, General Manager Epiroc Mining Intelligence.
If implementation is successful, the same solution may be introduced in the mines in Malmberget and in Svappavaara.
Four different modules are included:
1. Positioning of personnel, with the possibility to receive alerts and emergency messages (Mobilaris Situational Awareness and Mobilaris Virtual Tag)
2. Send emergency messages and provide support to enable personnel to get to a safe location (Mobilaris Emergency Support)
3. 3D map in vehicles, navigation support, better traffic safety and the ability to rapidly locate the nearest rescue chamber (Mobilaris Onboard)
4. 3D map in personnel telephones, navigation support and the ability to rapidly locate the nearest rescue chamber (Mobilaris PocketMine)
Contact: Emilia Salmela, Communications Officer LKAB. Tel: +4610 144 1937. Email: emilia.salmela@lkab.com
LKAB is an international mining and minerals group that offers sustainable iron ore, minerals and special products. We are committed to developing carbon-free processes and products by 2045, leading the transformation of the iron and steel industry. Since 1890 we have developed through unique innovations and technological solutions and are driven forward by more than 4,500 employees in 12 countries. In 2021, the LKAB group had sales of about SEK 49 billion. www.lkab.com
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