Por: Fernando Altamirano Escobar, gerente HSE, Compañía Minera Antapaccay.

Abstract

Mining companies are currently facing a great challenge: to be competitive in an increasingly demanding environment, such as lower ore grades, more complex minerals, higher extraction costs, among others. These challenges require process efficiency and operational discipline. The occurrence of accidents, especially serious or fatal ones, generates cost overruns that further complicate the situation, including, in the worst case scenario, the paralysis of operations and business continuity.

In recent years we have a new ally in fatality prevention: the use of technology, artificial intelligence and process automation. This article seeks reflection on the application of technology as a hard barrier to eliminate human error and exposure of workers to the line of fire.

Some of the technological solutions that are being applied in Peru are:

1. Warning system in coarse stockpile - Safety Stockpile.

2. Mining fleet anti-collision systems.

3. Vacuum lifting of pipes and metal plates.

4. Electronic locking of power outlets.

5. Electronic locking of fixed and mobile equipment.