Epiroc will work with Indian zinc major Hindustan Zinc on a large-scale rollout of its mine vehicle collision avoidance system under a new memorandum of agreement.
Sweden’s Epiroc, a leading manufacturer and supplier of underground mining equipment and surface drills, is providing its CAS to five Hindustan Zinc mines in Rajasthan. It will start with a deployment at Sindesar Khurd, a zinc and lead mine with high-grade silver. Sindesar Khurd is described by its operator as one of India’s largest underground mines with circa-5.5 million tonnes per annum ore production. It is said to be a global top-five silver producer.
“The mine has been a pioneer in implementing the automation and digitalisation of mining in India,” Hindustan Zinc says. “Tele-remote operations of drill machines and raise-bore machines have substantially improved safety and productivity.”
Epiroc’s CAS will be implemented on 30 low-profile dump trucks and protect up to 100 mine workers.
Hindustan Zinc CEO Arun Misra said the CAS implementation project would “underpin further expansion of intelligent safety solutions across our operations, ensuring safe, smart and sustainable mining”.
Epiroc CEO Helena Hedblom said: “The collision avoidance system exemplifies how digital innovation delivers proactive risk reduction through intelligent sensing, real-time alerts and autonomous vehicle control.
“We are proud to partner with Hindustan Zinc in deploying this adaptable, scalable solution that safeguards personnel while enhancing operational resilience. Together, we are establishing a global benchmark for safer, more efficient underground mining operations.”
Epiroc says its OEM-agnostic CAS works on any mining vehicle regardless of manufacturer.
