Changes to legislation affecting sustainable practices, as well as safety and security considerations are impacting on retrofitting of site lighting, traffic management and safety systems. This article explores the drivers of this change.
With the recent Australian Government’s legislated mining industry commitments for ecologically sustainable practices, the sector has begun a significant transformation to their infrastructure by incorporating solar and renewable energy solutions into more of their operations.
Solar is an attractive proposition, with it’s popularity being attributed to advancements in technology and storage, ease of installation, low maintenance and fewer safety concerns.
Mine sites pose several challenges when it comes to using powered energy systems. Rugged landscapes, remote locations, lack of mains power and most recently, the need to minimise land disturbance to allow for trenching for cabling are some key areas of consideration.
Mine sites, with their complex road and pathways, have a need for effective traffic management solutions for intersections, pedestrian ways and security points. Earthtrack Group, a local manufacturer and supplier already known for industrial LED and solar lighting solutions, have recently made inroads into the design and manufacture of custom traffic management solutions based on the needs of mine sites. By modifying the signature solar lighting towers, they have launched multiple custom traffic and security products which are meeting this need.
As well as cost and environmental factors, these solar powered systems also offer increased reliability, as they are less susceptible to power outages and grid failures. This enhanced dependability ensures uninterrupted traffic flow, enhancing safety and efficiency for roads and pedestrian crossings. A recent visit to a gold mine in Western Australia identified this as a key concern for critical and rare mineral mining as well as the larger producers.
Being local to WA has been a benefit for Earthtrack, giving them the ability to make regular site visits across our state for auditing and system design purposes. With the challenges of mining’s harsh terrain and conditions, site audits are a life saver for creating the safest and most efficient systems for each individual work area.
Earthtrack Group specialises in the design of tailor-made solar solutions that cater to specific needs and requirements. The combination of using solar traffic and lighting systems has been a game changer on sites, as well as solar boom gate options to manage traffic flow.
Earthtrack Group's solar traffic management and lighting systems are also designed to integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, making them adaptable and scalable. Whether it's retrofitting existing traffic lights or implementing new solar powered systems from scratch, the installation process has minimal disruption to areas, meaning there is less down time.
By embracing renewable energy solutions, the Australian mining industry is setting a precedent for other sectors to follow. Earthtrack Group's commitment to innovation and customised sustainable site solutions positions them at the forefront of this transformation, paving the way for a cleaner and more efficient mining industry in Australia.
13 Nov 2023
