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Harnessing the power within

There is no doubt that the longevity and prosperity of the mining industry in South Africa impacts every echelon of our country’s society. A mine’s ability to stay afloat is crucial, which is why issues such as security – that impact operations and ultimately profitability – must be dealt with efficiently.

The key is to use a system that enables a mine to reap the rewards of information, enabling it to improve the efficiency of its operations as well as optimise its resources within the mine.

Consolidating and integrating the information from CCTV cameras, access control, building management systems and intrusion systems will enable informed decisions on how to handle specific situations. One alarming platform, for example, will ensure that breaches are handled in a standardised fashion and there is a common drive throughout the mine’s security system.

Indeed, it is all about sharing information that benefits mining operations in general. A centralised system will also enable the mine to gauge how staff respond to incidents as well as ensure that priority is given to people, then equipment.

Save resources

Another important benefit of an effective security system, which features integrated access control, CCTV, intrusion systems and building management systems (BMS), is the optimisation of physical mining resources. This ability also has a positive knock-on effect, as often, areas such as mining shafts are only inhabitable when the ventilation and airconditioning is working. If it is shut down, it will also mitigate unwanted security breaches.

Manpower is unfortunately notoriously unreliable. With an effective technology driven security system a company is essentially relying on a technology that is less corruptible and repeatable than people. Technology allows for a consistent approach to security and as a result improves the management of the overall system. Again, it enables the mine to standardise its approach to security breaches.

Ultimately, mines are looking at systems that provide them with more efficiency for their buck. With a consolidated and integrated security system, these needs are addressed in an efficient and effective manner.

Neil Cameron

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