Harmony Target Mine | Ramika Projects

Project Overview

In 2022, engineers at Harmony's Target Mine embarked on an expansion project seeking a sustainable shaft lighting solution that met their Occupational Health and Safety requirements, energy efficiency goals, and long-term cost objectives. Their existing lighting system had several challenges, prompting a search for an improved alternative.

Challenges with the Previous System

Historically, the mine utilized a system where EMS power boxes were installed every 3 meters along the power cable, housing 20W LED lamps. This system presented multiple issues:

Complex installation requiring significant skilled labour.
Inconsistent lamp positioning, leading to shadowing and poor light uniformity.
Frequent maintenance due to rapid lumen degradation.
High failure rate caused by harsh mine conditions.
Structural cable integrity concerns, as repeated cutting weakened the cable.

Collaboration with Ramika Projects

To address these challenges, Target Mine Engineers engaged Ramika Projects for a sustainable shaft lighting solution that prioritized:

Efficient installation requiring minimal skilled labour.
High-quality illumination with uniform light distribution to prevent workplace hazards.
Durable luminaires with reduced lumen degradation and extended longevity.
Easy maintenance allowing unskilled labourers to replace lighting units.
Anti-theft measures to protect valuable lighting infrastructure.

The Proposed Solution

Ramika Projects recommended its proven shaft lighting solution, already utilized in major mining operations across gold, platinum, and coal sectors. To ensure compatibility and approval, a pilot rollout was conducted in a designated shaft.

Lighting Design Optimization

Ramika executed a customized lighting plan, determining optimal spacing intervals to meet Target Mine’s desired lux levels.

Pre-installed Power Mounting System

The mine received 100m lengths of white-line cable with pre-fitted power mounting boxes, eliminating the need for skilled labour during installation.

Effortless Installation

Unskilled workers could roll out the cable within the shaft, with skilled personnel only required for power connections.

Key Features of the Minilite Luminaires

Ramika's Minilite luminaires provided significant advantages over the previous system:

Superior illumination that fully lit the shaft, including cable racks.
Robust construction designed for harsh mining conditions.
30% lower wattage than previous lamps, enhancing energy savings (ESG goals).
High system lumen output with minimal degradation for long-term stability.
Anti-theft mechanism, ensuring luminaires only function when connected to power boxes.

Integrating sustainability into our operations, we strategize to comply with all relevant legislation, uplift our communities and maintain high standards of ethical behaviour.

Project Achievements The pilot project successfully demonstrated multiple benefits:

Rapid rollout, drastically reducing shaft lighting installation time.
Minimal reliance on skilled labour, optimizing workforce efficiency.
Enhanced lighting uniformity, reducing fall-related injuries.
Lower maintenance needs, reducing long-term operational costs.
Effective theft prevention, securing luminaires from unauthorized removal.

Conclusion

Following the success of the pilot, Target Mine adopted Ramika’s shaft lighting solution exclusively for ongoing expansions, installing approximately half a kilometer of lighting each month. This project stands as a testament to Ramika Projects' commitment to delivering innovative, efficient, and sustainable mining solutions