Booyco Electronics Highlights Operational Readiness for PDS Rollout

Booyco Electronics stresses that the main obstacle to implementing Level 9 proximity detection systems (PDS) on South African mines is not the technology itself but operational readiness. Although automatic vehicle intervention for collision avoidance has been mandatory since 2022, the company observes that adoption has been slower than anticipated, with mines needing to better align PDS with existing safety frameworks and day-to-day operations.

The company points out that risk assessments, traffic management plans, and cross-departmental collaboration are critical starting points. Without this foundation, mines risk creating additional complications such as production disruptions or “PDS fatigue” caused by excessive alerts. Integrating PDS effectively requires more than engineering input; financial planning, operator training, and ongoing communication across all departments are considered essential to ensure long-term safety and efficiency outcomes.

“Many operations are still not ready to operationalise PDS within their daily activities, safety systems or workflows. Any new system must be accompanied by a change in behaviour or nothing will improve.’’ said Anton Lourens, Booyco Electronics CEO.

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