Explore How ADAS in Mining Supports Safer Mine Operations
- Mrunal Upadhye
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
Mining is one of the most demanding and hazardous industries in the world. Heavy machines move through rough and changing terrain. People and equipment stay in motion, which raises the chance of accidents. In these settings, safety and control matter most. To improve both, many operations are now implementing ADAS in mining.
These Advanced Driver Assistance Systems support vehicle operators in real time. They sharpen awareness and help drivers act fast when the situation shifts. Implementing ADAS in mining strengthens both safety and decision-making on the ground.
ADAS has roots in the passenger and commercial vehicle sectors. Now, it changes how mines work, especially in India. Seeing its value, the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) in India enforced its use. The agency now requires ADAS in specific mining vehicles. This move raises safety and protects operations.
This blog explores how ADAS supports mining. It covers the benefits, key components, rules in place, and what lies ahead.
Key Features of ADAS in Mining:
Collision Avoidance Systems play a key role in mining safety. They use radar and LiDAR to scan the area. Ultrasonic sensors and cameras support this by spotting people, vehicles, or objects nearby.
Large machines often work close to each other in low-visibility zones. CAS tracks blind spots and watches nearby areas at all times. When it detects a risk, it sends visual and audio alerts to the operator, prompting quick action. Some systems also rank threats and guide the operator with clear directions. These alerts help most when reversing, dumping, or moving near people.
2. Automatic Braking and Steering Assistance:
When a crash seems certain and the operator does not act in time, ADAS can step in. It applies the brakes or changes the steering path on its own. The system uses sensor data and sets limits to decide when to act.
Mining sites leave no room for error. Even small mistakes can cause major damage. Automatic braking and steering add a strong safety layer. For instance, if a dump truck nears an obstacle at high speed, the system takes control and stops the vehicle. This helps most when the operator reacts too slow or drives on wet or loose ground.
Mining work often runs long and takes a heavy toll. As a result, operator fatigue becomes a major risk. ADAS tackles this with driver monitoring systems. These use inward-facing cameras and sensors to spot signs of fatigue and distraction.
A study by Caterpillar Global Mining found that fatigue was a primary factor in 65% of all haul truck accidents.
The system checks eye closure, blink rate, head position, and face direction. If it finds signs of drowsiness, distraction, or microsleep, it sends out an alert. Alarms or seat vibrations warn the operator to refocus or take a break. These early signals stop fatigue-related mistakes. They help keep the site safe and the operator aware.
4. Remote Monitoring and Telematics Integration:
Telematics platforms enable remote monitoring of mining fleets. They give a central view of vehicle use, operator behavior, and system health.
Telematics-enabled ADAS systems transmit real-time data such as:
Vehicle location and speed
Engine performance and fault codes
ADAS event logs (braking, alerts, fatigue detection)
Operator-specific behavior metrics
This helps supervisors plan routes, schedule maintenance, and respond to incidents. It also ensures they track safety events and take action when needed..
5. Speed and Zone Control Systems:
Mining sites set speed limits for zones like loading areas, crossings, and intersections. ADAS helps enforce these limits with speed and zone control systems. These tools track vehicle location through GPS. When a vehicle moves too fast, the system slows it down or warns the operator.
Many systems use geo-fencing to mark restricted zones. When a vehicle enters one, the system slows it down or limits acceleration. This reduces the chance of accidents in tight or sensitive areas. It also guides safer movement across the site.
6. Load Monitoring Systems:
Overloading often leads to equipment damage, wasted fuel, and tipping. ADAS load monitoring systems help prevent this. Onboard sensors track payload weight and balance in real time.
If the load goes beyond safe limits or sits uneven, the system alerts the operator. This prevents unsafe driving conditions. It also protects key parts like the suspension and tires. The system helps meet safety rules for haulage.
7. Obstacle Detection with 360-Degree Cameras:
Many mining vehicles now use 360-degree camera systems. These give full visual coverage around the vehicle. The system joins live feeds from all sides into one screen view. This helps the operator stay aware of the surroundings.
Obstacle sensors boost the value of the camera system. They help the operator track movement nearby while backing up or turning in tight spots. This matters most in busy zones with machines, support vehicles, or ground staff close by.
DGMS Guidelines on ADAS in Indian Mining:
The Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) aims to improve safety in open-cast mining. It issued clear rules to track driver behavior and raise safety levels. These rules apply to Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) and other mining vehicles. The guidelines push the use of ADAS-like systems across major vehicle types.
Objective of the Mandate:
This mandate aims to stop accidents. Poor visibility, blind spots, and human mistakes often cause them. Mining vehicles move through tight and busy spaces. Drivers must make quick decisions to stay safe. ADAS helps by giving early warnings. These alerts give drivers time to act before a crash happens.
"Between 2015 and 2017, a total of 377 workers lost their lives in coal, mineral, and oil mining accidents, according to data presented in the Lok Sabha in 2019."
By enforcing these systems, DGMS drives a shift. The goal moves from reacting to events to stopping risks before they start.
Key Safety Systems Mandated by DGMS:
The DGMS guidelines list several tools. Each one serves the same purpose as core ADAS features. Mentioned below are the key safety features mandated by the DGMS:
Operator Fatigue Warning System: This system spots signs of drowsiness in the operator. It sends out visual and audio alerts to bring back focus. It tracks behavior at all times and adjusts based on the driver and the work area.
Applies to: All HEMM
Proximity Warning Device: This device uses sensors to spot nearby people, vehicles, or obstacles. It sends alerts through built-in units to warn the operator. It prevents collisions by issuing real-time warnings to the operator.
Applies to: dumpers and tippers.
Rear Vision Camera System: This system improves visibility in blind spots. It sends live images to a monitor in the cabin. It must meet set standards for strength and clear imaging in tough conditions.
Applies to: All HEMM
Dump Body Raised Position Indicator: This tool warns the operator when the dump body stays raised while the vehicle moves. It helps prevent damage and lowers the chance of tipping.
Applies to: Dumpers and tippers
Mechanical Device to Avoid Head-to-Tail Collisions: This device stops rear-end crashes between vehicles of different sizes. It improves safety during mixed fleet operations.
Applies to: Specifically required for dumpers
Automatic Dipping System: This system adjusts headlights on its own to cut glare from oncoming vehicles. It helps both drivers see better and stay safe.
Applies to: dumpers, tippers, and other mine vehicles
Load Indicators for Safe Payload Management: This system checks the vehicle’s load and alerts the operator when it goes over the limit. It keeps the vehicle stable and helps avoid tipping or damage.
Applies to: dumpers and tippers.
Compliance Expectations:
Mining companies are responsible for the proper implementation of these systems. This includes:
Installing certified and approved safety technologies
Training operators and technicians on their use
Ensuring regular system maintenance and calibration
Benefits of ADAS in Mining:
Mining safety is a core priority for every operation. Heavy vehicles move constantly across uneven terrain. People often work close to these machines, which increases the risk of accidents. These high-risk conditions call for strong oversight at every level. Without proper safety systems, even small mistakes can lead to serious outcomes.
As the mining industry grows, the use of large and complex equipment is also increasing. This makes real-time safety tools more important than ever. Drivers and supervisors need clear support during operations. Technologies that give timely alerts and track behavior help reduce risk. These tools are no longer optional. They are necessary to protect both lives and equipment.
Fatality data from 2002 to 2018 shows why this need is urgent in India. During this period, India reported the highest number of mining-related deaths each year. In 2005, the number peaked at 50, and in several other years it remained above 40. The numbers began to decline after 2008. Still, yearly fatalities stayed between 19 and 26 until 2018.
In comparison, the USA brought down fatalities to single digits after 2013. Western Australia reported almost no deaths during the same period. This difference shows a clear gap in safety performance. Using ADAS in mining is one way to close that gap. It helps the industry move toward a safer and more controlled future.
Bringing ADAS into mining improves safety, boosts output, and strengthens control. These systems support both operators and supervisors. They provide real-time data, automate tasks, and guide better decisions.
Here are the main benefits of using ADAS in mining:
Improved Safety for Operators and Workers:
ADAS makes mining safer. Large vehicles often move through low-visibility zones where crashes can happen fast. Obstacle detection, proximity alerts, and fatigue monitors give constant feedback to the operator. These tools spot danger and signs of fatigue early. They alert the driver before things go wrong. This quick response cuts risk and keeps both drivers and nearby workers safe.
Increased Productivity and Reduced Downtime:
ADAS helps avoid incidents that damage equipment or stop work. Real-time alerts and predictive warnings cut the risk of breakdowns and crashes. This leads to fewer delays and less downtime. When machines run well, teams stay on track and meet targets with steady output.
Enhanced Monitoring and Control:
Vehicles with ADAS often come with telematics and data tools. These give site managers key insights. With remote access, supervisors track performance, watch operator habits, and review routes. This clear view helps them act fast, fix issues early, and guide the fleet better. They spot patterns, correct unsafe actions, and plan maintenance before trouble starts.
Reduced Operational Costs:
ADAS saves money over time. Fewer crashes mean lower repair costs and less downtime. Better driving also cuts fuel use and slows wear on tires, brakes, and other parts. A strong safety record can lower insurance costs. Using ADAS also helps meet rules and reduces legal risks.
Better Compliance with Safety Regulations:
In India, the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) now requires several ADAS features in mining. Companies that use these tools follow the law and avoid fines or work stoppages. Meeting these rules also builds a strong safety culture. It boosts a company’s image in an industry where risk control matters most.
Support for Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous Operations:
ADAS sets the base for future automation in mining. Full autonomy may take time, but many tools already support semi-autonomous tasks. Features like auto-braking, steering help, and remote control ease the load on operators. These systems make hard tasks simpler and prepare fleets for more automation. With ADAS in place, the shift from manual to automated control becomes safer and smoother.
Conclusion:
ADAS in mining has moved beyond a tech upgrade. It now stands as a core safety tool. In India, where DGMS rules apply, using these systems is not a choice but a must. ADAS reduces accidents, improves efficiency, and gives operators and supervisors better control.
Rules, tools, and industry habits now move in the same direction. Mining in India is entering a new stage of safer and smarter work. This is the right moment for companies to act. By investing in ADAS, they meet the law, raise safety, and build a stronger future for mining.
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