The Risk Landscape
In mining operations, waste dumps evolve constantly as material is relocated and deposited. Edge tipping berms, which are critical safety structures along these dumps, are particularly vulnerable to change. Without constant attention, these berms may deteriorate, become non-compliant, and ultimately increase the risk ofover-edge tipping incidents.
Traditional monitoring approaches rely on periodic measurements, which are unable to reflect the ongoing changes in berm conditions. By the time a problem is detected, the risk may already be critical.
The Solution – Berm Monitoring System (BMS)
The Berm Monitoring System (BMS) was developed to close this gap. It offers continuous, autonomous, near real-time assessment of berm height compliance, transforming how mines manage safety at the edge.
Rather than static, manual checks, BMS delivers a dynamic picture of berm performance. This allows site teams to respond to emerging risks as they happen, reducing reliance on reactive interventions and significantly improving safety outcomes.
Why Continuous Monitoring Matters
- Proactive Risk Management: Identifying patterns over time helps prevent incidents before they occur
- Automated Compliance Tracking: Continuous assessment ensures that berms remain within regulatory standards
- Operational Insight: Granular data supports analysis of contributing factors such as material placement, visibility, and operator behaviour
Case Example 1: Detecting Decline Before It Becomes Dangerous
BMS trend data often reveals downward shifts in berm compliance over time. These changes can trigger timely investigations into contributing factors such as equipment availability, operator visibility, material type, or training gaps. With this information, teams can implement targeted corrective actions before conditions become unsafe.
Case Example 2: Tracking and Reinforcing Positive Change
Upward trends in compliance, as recorded by BMS, can be linked to improvements such as better materialplacement, enhanced visibility, optimised equipment use, or effective training programmes. By understandingthese positive drivers, mine operators can replicate successful practices across multiple sites to strengthenoverall safety and efficiency.
Operational Benefits and Risk Reduction
Continuous risk assessment through the BMS provides significant advantages:
Enhance Safety:
Proactive monitoring minimizes the likelihood of over-edge tipping incidents.
Regulatory Compliance:
Maintaining berm height standards ensures adherence to industry regulations and best practices.
Data-Driven Decision Making:
Continuous analysis allows for targeted interventions and process improvements.
Conclusion
The Berm Monitoring System delivers more than data. It enables a strategic shift in how mines manage berm-related risks. With real-time insights and trend analysis, teams can move from reactive fixes to proactive planning, ensuring safer, more efficient operations in an ever-changing mining environment.
