Nottingham, UK, 05 July 2011 – A state of the art laser scanning system supplied by 3D Laser Mapping has been used to improve safety of iron ore extraction in South Africa. The Riegl laser scanner forms an integral part of a Waste Spreader Positioning System (WSPS) developed by Stone Three Venture Technology in partnership with Reutech Mining. The WSPS is designed to ensure the safety of machine operators by calculating a safe zone of operation on the mine heap and monitoring the activities of the Waste Spreader within this defined zone.
The Riegl LMS-Z210ii, supplied by 3D Laser Mapping, is a rugged sensor designed for the rapid acquisition of high-quality 3D images in the harshest and most demanding environmental conditions. With a range of up to 650 metres and accuracies of 10 millimetres the scanner is mounted on a self-sufficient semi mobile platform from where it is used to monitor the expanding waste heap. The 3D scans of the expanding waste heap are then transferred, via a Wireless Local Area Network, to a central server where they are used to calculate a safe boundary around the top of the waste heap.
A highly accurate Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver mounted on the Waste Spreader determines the position of the machine in relation to the pre-determined safe zone. This information is displayed on screen in central control room and should the Waste Spreader cross the safety boundary an audio visual alarm is automatically triggered to warn both the machine operator and control room staff.
Head of the Mining Division at Stone Three Venture Technology Louis Marais commented, “We have a vision to develop and provide creative turnkey solutions and support for the mining industry. The successful completion of the WSPS project and delivery ahead of schedule is fundamental in realising this vision.”
“By combining best of breed hardware, skill sharing and strategic partnerships with industry partners and end users a very exciting solution with many potential applications has been created,” added Dr Graham Hunter, Managing Director of 3D Laser Mapping.
About 3D Laser Mapping
3D Laser Mapping is a global developer of laser scanning solutions for sectors such as mapping, mining and manufacturing. 3D Laser Mapping specialises in integrating laser scanning hardware with their own software and peripherals to create solutions at the cutting edge of technology. Through a worldwide network of distributors 3D Laser Mapping is able to provide frontline support and service for a growing international client base. 3D Laser Mapping is also the Riegl Premier Distributor for the UK, Ireland and sub-Saharan Africa and the leading distributor of TerraScan software. For further information see www.3dlasermapping.com
About Riegl
Riegl has over thirty years of experience in the research, development and production of laser rangefinders, distancemeters and scanners. Primarily a technology company Riegl specialise in producing technically innovative solutions for specific applications working in partnership with organisations such as 3D Laser Mapping to produce powerful turnkey solutions for multiple fields of application. For further information see www.riegl.com
About Reutech Mining
Reutech Mining has developed a range of advanced geotechnical monitoring and surveying systems for above ground mining operations. These products significantly contribute to the improvement of mine safety, operational planning and support increased production output at mines around the world. Reutech Mining is a division of Reutech Radar Systems and a subsidiary of Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed engineering and technology company Reunert. For further information see www.reutechmining.com
About Stone Three
Stone Three is a Venture Technology Company committed to working closely with development partners and clients to produce innovative and economical world-class products and solutions. Stone Three are specialists in computer and systems engineering, however, thanks to a dynamic and diverse workforce, their capabilities extend beyond the technically complex and into the realm of business and analysis for almost any conceivable market. For further information see www.stonethree.com