Mining Above Ground Benefits From GPS Tracking
Most research on GPS tracking and coal mining has to do with safety due to the recent accidents in underground coal mines in which precious lives have been lost. And, that is understandable But the focus of this article is the benefits that of real time GPS trackers can offer to a surface coal mining operation.
The big problem with GPS signals is that they are not very good at penetrating the surface of the earth. Water, coal and other deposits get in the way making communications with satellites pretty much impossible.
But, on the other hand, surface mining operations can be beneficiaries of GPS tracking devices because of the openness to the sky. And, because of cellular signals that can help, too.
The main ways are through surface pit mapping, stakeout activities and general surveying. Keeping good records is important in the mining business. GPS asset tracking devices can assist with this task by supplying mapping tools via computer. This mapping can be used to increase the precision of mining operations while reducing environmental damage.
Secondary ways that GPS tracking is through means of monitoring equipment and worker activities. And, by being able to reduce the number of employees needed to monitor operations.
Equipment Monitoring
The outdoor nature of mining means almost all of operational assets are kept in the open. And, the enormous investment in these assets requires a method for keeping track of and being able to locate them at any given time. GPS tracking supplies the method. At inventory time, a simple Internet enabled PC supplies the connection to assets that are outfitted with these devices. This task can be performed in a matter of minutes, not days, weeks or months.
Tracking down assets that are ‘lost’ is easy too. Should a piece of equipment become stolen, it can be located and the coordinates passed on to law enforcement agencies for quick recovery.
Worker Monitoring
Who has your equipment and what is being done with it? Those two questions are easily answered when the assets are outfitted with proper mini GPS asset trackers. Is it idle when it should be moving? Is it moving when it should be idle? You can set up a ‘fence’ around the equipment, also, to make sure that it does not leave the area in which it is being used. If it does, you can receive a text message or an email about such moves.
Reduction in Workforce
Fewer workers keeps payroll low. A GPS tracking system becomes your partner in helping you get critical data about your operations quickly and with little effort.
As demand for coal mining operations grows, so too does the need to keep them growing and operating as efficiently as possible. GPS personal tracking is there to assist.
Article written by Tracking System Direct