Space technology finds use in mining application
A Dutch company is looking to improve safety and productivity of the mining industry in Chile and Peru with a remote monitoring system originally developed for space applications.
EstrellaSat, which is supported by ESA, has begun a full-scale trial of its monitoring system at an open mine in the Andes and at the world’s biggest copper mine in the Atacama Desert.
The technology monitors the health and safety of heavy-duty mining vehicle drivers. An on-board computer from EstrellaSat monitors each vehicle and its driver, and sends the data to the control centre of the local mining site and via satellite to EstrellaSat’s control centre in the Netherlands.
It is claimed the transmission platform is based partly on technology originally developed to overcome errors and loss in communication with distant spacecraft.
Molly de Coster, sales and marketing coordinator for EstrellaSat, said that drivers operating at mines in remote areas are provided with Wombat - EstrellaSat’s solution to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue and illness or injury.
The drivers are fitted with sensors that measure heart rate, body temperature, ECG and body position and acceleration as well as GPS.
Register now to continue reading
Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.
Benefits of registering
-
In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends
-
Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year
-
Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox
Radio wave weapon knocks out drone swarms
Probably. A radio-controlled drone cannot be completely shielded to RF, else you´d lose the ability to control it. The fibre optical cable removes...