Südwestdeutsche Salzwerke AG’s Heilbronn salt mine, one of Western Europe’s largest salt producers, has successfully deployed the OEM-agnostic Newtrax Advanced Proximity Detection System (APDS), expanding the mine’s existing underground safety technology. With a remarkable production capacity of nearly 5 Mt annually, Heilbronn faces typical safety challenges due to limited visibility and the interaction of light and heavy vehicles during operations.
To address these challenges, the mine has implemented the Newtrax APDS to mitigate the risks of vehicle-to-vehicle collisions and ensure a safer working environment for all personnel. “Safety is a top priority at Heilbronn mine, and the Newtrax Advanced Proximity Detection System has proven to be a valuable addition to our operations,” said Christian Pönisch, Mining Engineer, Südwestdeutsche Salzwerke AG.
He adds: “Its ability to prevent collisions and enhance situational awareness has fulfilled our expectations. We are particularly impressed with the system’s scalability and the support provided by Sandvik’s team in Germany, which has been instrumental in ensuring successful deployment and operation. Based on this positive experience, we are already planning the next phase of expansion of the system.”
Designed to improve safety and optimise operational efficiency, the scalable OEM-agnostic safety solution enables advanced proximity detection, providing both advisory and intervention controls for safer and more efficient operations. This innovative technology is designed to mitigate the risks of injuries, fatalities and collisions involving pedestrians, light vehicles and heavy equipment in complex underground environments. Sandvik says the system provides unparalleled situational awareness and control by effectively addressing pedestrian safety concerns and mitigating collisions between light and heavy vehicles.
When combined with Location Tracking, part of OptiMine® MDP, APDS further enables mine supervisors and safety personnel to identify high-risk areas and take appropriate actions, significantly improving safety and operational efficiency.
“This deployment at the Heilbronn mine highlights the significant impact our OEM-agnostic solution has in elevating safety standards,” said Malte Huben, Business Line Manager, Automation Northern Europe, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “By effectively addressing critical safety challenges, APDS not only safeguards workers but also minimises downtime, enabling smoother and more efficient operations. The team at Heilbronn mine has shown tremendous commitment to improving safety standards, and we are thrilled to continue supporting their vision of a safer, more productive mining environment.”
By implementing the Newtrax APDS, Sandvik says Südwestdeutsche Salzwerke AG “is setting a benchmark for safety and operational excellence in underground mining. This deployment reinforces their commitment to safeguarding their workforce while demonstrating the value of innovation and collaboration in advancing sustainable mining practices.”
