Wabtec announced today the successful installation of its Generation 3 Collision Avoidance System (CAS) at Glencore Coal’s Mount Owen site in New South Wales, Australia.

“The mining industry presents inherent risks, and mobile equipment interactions represent a large contribution to this profile,” said Neil Pollard, Surface Technology Manager for Glencore Coal Assets Australia. “We have worked very hard on integrating the Wabtec Generation 3 product within our existing Road and Vehicle Management Plan so that it provides a complimentary control that improves vehicle safety at our mine.”

Wabtec’s Generation 3 CAS is the latest solution on the market. It is designed to be agnostic across equipment suppliers and compatible with all machine types, providing flexibility for installations across Glencore’s diverse operations. The Generation 3 CAS focus shifts from traditional proximity detection to ensure performance and productivity are optimised. Core functionality such as real-time self-test, personnel detection and secondary sensing capabilities are maintained in the Generation 3 CAS.

The technology incorporates a brand new, cleaner, simpler user interface with context-based voice alerts that have been built using the latest human factor design. It replaces ‘beeps-and-buzzer’ analogue technology with sophisticated discreet, directional, and audible warnings. This interface enables operators to work without distraction and respond instantaneously to audible alerts.

“The Generation 3 CAS builds on the success of the previous Wabtec systems, which have been used by mining companies worldwide for more than two decades,” said Henro van Wyk, Vice President and General Manager of Wabtec Digital Mine. “The team worked tirelessly with Glencore Coal to deliver the only true collision avoidance system that is not only more advanced, but also more user-friendly and intuitive. We are thrilled to see the first of many sites equipped with the Generation 3 CAS, redefining the meaning of collision avoidance in mining.”

Wabtec closed by saying: “With several other sites currently in various stages of installation, the journey toward full deployment of the Generation 3 CAS across Glencore Coal’s Australian operations is well underway. Each site represents a step closer to achieving this vision, with a goal of ensuring that every operator and every piece of equipment is safeguarded.”