Botswana Mining Review Comprehensive Coverage of the Progress and Achievements in the Mining Sector
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Safety remains a central priority in the mining industry, particularly when it comes to the storage, handling, and use of explosives. According to Dr Ramesh Dhoorgapersadh, BME’s General Manager for Operational Excellence and Safety, Health, Environment, Risk and Quality (SHERQ), fast-evolving technology is playing a vital role in supporting mines to elevate their safety standards.
“Safety is a moral obligation in the mining sector, requiring the collaborative efforts of all involved to prevent catastrophic consequences such as accidental explosions, loss of life and environmental damage,” said Dhoorgapersadh. “The responsibility of safety lies with all stakeholders, from explosive manufacturers and mining companies to individual workers.”
To meet this responsibility, leading mining companies are embracing a range of innovative technologies as part of their zero harm strategies.
Automation and artificial intelligence are increasingly being adopted to reduce human exposure to dangerous environments. Autonomous vehicles and remote-controlled machinery are helping to minimise the risks associated with manual operations. In addition, data analytics is being harnessed to predict and prevent accidents by identifying patterns and flagging high-risk scenarios before they lead to harm.
Wearable technology is also gaining ground, with miners now equipped with health monitoring systems that track vital signs and environmental conditions in real time. These devices can give early warnings of potential hazards, enhancing on-site safety.
Dhoorgapersadh also pointed to the growing use of virtual reality (VR) as a training tool. “VR enables miners to experience and respond to hazardous scenarios in a safe, simulated environment. This immersive training boosts their preparedness and improves reaction times during real emergencies,” he said.
Beyond the mining site, the safe storage of explosives is critical. This includes strict access control, inventory tracking, and comprehensive security systems such as surveillance cameras, alarms and fencing. Such measures help prevent explosives from being misused or falling into the wrong hands.
Handling procedures must also follow strict protocols. Explosives must be kept free from contamination and protected from ignition sources such as friction, impact, static electricity and heat. Once manufactured, explosives should be promptly transferred to secure storage facilities. Transportation must comply with compatibility group assignments as outlined in the South African National Standard (SANS) 10228, ensuring only designated, clean, and safe vessels are used.
Only licensed and trained personnel are authorised to handle explosives, with activities overseen by a legally appointed explosives manager. The actual use of explosives on site requires formal authorisation and the issuing of blasting permits by the chief inspector of explosives, who evaluates all relevant site plans, risk assessments and the competence of blasting personnel before granting approval.
“All employees involved in blasting must be thoroughly trained and equipped with the appropriate personal protective equipment,” said Dhoorgapersadh. “This includes blast-resistant clothing, hearing protection and eye protection to shield them from potential hazards.”
By integrating cutting edge technologies and upholding best practices, the mining industry is steadily raising the safety bar, ensuring that the use of explosives becomes ever safer for both people and the environment.
