This is another entry in the RFID in Industry series. Today we will try to present this technology used in mines. To better understand the entry, we especially encourage you to read the first part, which discusses, among others: tag types.
The most important area using RFID technologies in the mining industry is security. Special systems (consisting of tags, antennas and readers) are being built to locate miners. This is extremely important in the event of a threat. Knowing the whereabouts of the injured makes the work of the rescue team easier and may have a significant impact on its success. RFID technology is also used to predict threats. For this purpose, tags, special sensors and routers that make up the Real Time Sensing System (RTSS) are used. By analyzing the collected data, the system is able to order the evacuation of employees early enough.
RFID technology is also used to streamline and improve work efficiency. Mineral extraction includes, among others: from placing explosive charges in holes in the sidewalk wall. After the explosion, the rocks must be removed. To improve this process, tags are installed in the sidewalks from which the debris is removed and in the shafts where it is unloaded. However, RFID readers are placed in machines specialized in this type of tasks. By moving and reading subsequent tags, the machine obtains information about its current location and receives information from the central system which tunnel it should currently enter. After finishing the work, the central system will receive information about where the rocks have already been collected, thanks to which it is possible to estimate work efficiency and better plan future activities. Active tags are used for this purpose, but due to their price, passive tags operating in the UHF band are being used more and more often.
Additionally, RFID is used to improve management of the direction of flow of people and equipment in mines. Especially in tourist mines, it is used to monitor the flow of guests visiting the facility.