Challenge

Large mobile equipment such as haul trucks and support vehicles operate in complex, high‑risk environments, often in close proximity to workers, other vehicles and fixed infrastructure. While Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) are increasingly recognised as a critical safety control for reducing collision risk, the mining industry has faced a key challenge: how to objectively assess whether different PDS technologies are truly fit for purpose before deploying them on site. Misunderstanding system capabilities and limitations can lead to poor implementation, reduced operator trust and missed safety benefits.  

At the time of the project, there was no consistent, independent or scientifically rigorous way for mine operators to evaluate PDS vendor solutions. Technologies varied widely in their sensing approaches, detection reliability, warning behaviour and intervention performance. Without a clear evaluation framework, mines were left to rely on vendor claims or limited site trials, increasing both safety and investment risk.

Solution

This project developed a practical and repeatable framework for testing and validating proximity detection systems, with a specific focus on collision avoidance for large mining vehicles. The framework combined defined test scenarios, representative equipment and robust analysis methods to assess whether a commercial PDS meets fundamental safety capabilities before full‑scale piloting or deployment. It was designed to be realistic, technically achievable, efficient and scientifically rigorous, covering key interactions such as vehicle‑to‑vehicle, vehicle‑to‑person and vehicle‑to‑infrastructure hazards. 

Benefits to Industry 

The PDS evaluation framework provides mining companies with a credible basis for informed decisions about PDS selection and implementation. Key benefits include:

• Improved confidence that selected systems can reliably detect and respond to collision risks

• Reduced safety and financial risk prior to site deployment

• Better understanding of system limitations, supporting effective change management and operator training

• Clear guidance for vendors on performance expectations and opportunities for system improvement

By enabling objective, evidence‑based assessment of proximity detection technologies, the project supports safer mobile equipment operation and contributes to a measurable reduction in collision risk across mining operations.