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Mining Security and Protection of Quarry Operations

Mining and quarry operations in the far parts of the earth exist to safely extract natural resources for essential components used for industrial, military, medical and many other products developed throughout the world. Because of the great value of these precious extracted natural resources of gold, diamonds, uranium and other assets, dedicated efforts are deployed to protect these resources.

 

The protection of assets in a mining environment can be challenging and often must be done in extreme conditions as many mines and quarries are in desolate locations. These areas can be very remote areas where infrastructure is lacking and often, there is a significant threat from violent would-be robbers looking to steal the extracted natural resources. 

 

With the many pervasive environmental and external threats at a mine or quarry, and with the lack of immediate first responders to an incident of theft or intrusion into a property, security managers are often looking for better electronic asset protection measures for these locations. The electronic solutions protect both the mining property and its assets but also the lives of the security personnel that work diligently to maintain proper order at these locations.

 

Physical barriers are used to prevent raiders from entering the mining properties. Great expense is invested by the mining companies into securing these locations with a perimeter fence to discourage intrusion into denied areas. Razor wire or Constantine wire is also used as part of the physical barrier process in discouraging unlawful entrance into these remote locations. In some counties as well, the deployment of electrified fence is common practice, which adds another physical layer of protection for the property.

 

While physical barriers are an essential component to a perimeter security plan for each mine or quarry operation, an electronic layer of security is now a much more essential element to providing situational awareness around a mining property. Surveillance cameras area a security asset that mine and quarries are often utilizing to provide proper surveillance of their most critical areas. While security cameras are most certainly an essential tool, in today’s world of modern security solutions, an active detection solution is by far the most effective method of providing a blanket of protection to each mine or quarry. 

 

Thermal Radar is a wide area detection and surveillance asset used by mines and quarries throughout the world to both detect intrusion over an area of 200 + acres but also to provide the targeted surveillance necessary for security personnel to be immediately notified of a potential threat. Thermal Radar can detect these intruders and then directs the PTZ surveillance cameras where to point. 

 

With an active detection solution like Thermal Radar, security personnel are notified in real time of the potential threat so that an immediate response can be provided. With outdated standard surveillance programs, when something was stolen or tampered with, security personnel would be required to review hours of video footage looking for a quick surveillance shot of some bad guys entering the property. It is like looking for a needle in the haystack. Now, with Thermal Radar, security personnel can be providing other essential security services and not staring at hundreds of cameras continually. These personnel can rest assured that Thermal Radar is on the job and will let them know when the wolves are at the door so that they can provide the proper response.

 

It is the best practice to stop intruders and criminals even before they get near the site. Fences and locked security gates can provide a secure perimeter barrier. For safety enhancement, one can even consider razor wire atop fences to discourage climbing. There can be other robust security solutions as well: three-foot deep trenches filled with concrete, steel cable fencing that can even stop a truck, and so on.   

 

Other practices including using twisted pair cable buried just beneath the perimeter surface to detect trespassers and ring an alarm. Radar systems are also becoming quite popular for movement detection at perimeter of large sites such as mines and quarries. To further enhance security, gates can be fortified to resist deep impact. Concrete bollards can be used to protect buildings from the impact after being hit by a vehicle.  Perimeter security systems help create a safe and secure environment at mining sites.

 

Visitor Management System

 

Visitors in the form of drivers to evacuate waste and carry the mined products and other people are unavoidable. Using an effective visitor management system can help keep a track of visitors and create a secure environment. ID card systems can help manage the people coming in and going out. Using intercom services can enable faster and better communication to facilitate better security.

 

Extraction of natural resources through mining and quarry operations are important for the world, not just for its monetary value, but other reasons as well. These resources may also provide critical components of industrial, military, and medical use. Therefore, the mining products such as gold, diamond, uranium, or lead all must be protected from theft and misuse. 

 

Apart from that, mining and quarry operations are quite challenging. The surrounding and the environment can be really difficult, which is typically not found in other locations. Additionally, operations sprawl over vast areas and exposed to extreme conditions. Also, the actual site of operation may be located far away even from the first responders. The presence of large machines and vehicles make things further difficult. Loud noise and frequently worn earplugs make it hard to hear anything.

 

If this was not enough, then visibility issues caused by piles of rocks and dust can make things even more difficult. Furthermore, the use of explosives and chemicals, necessity of wearing protective eyewear make the environment really hostile. All these factors together make it essential to implement robust mining security in place.