Qualified lighting experts crucial for mining operations

The importance for mines to consult on lighting requirements with lighting experts that are recognised by the Illumination Engineering Society of South Africa (IESSA) cannot be overstated, says industrial lighting specialist Magnitech technical sales consultant Petrus Cilliers.

IESSA is the lighting governing body of South Africa and supports the practical implementation of internationally recognised lighting practices.

He tells Mining Weekly that the consultation will ensure that the lighting installation is done in line with local legal requirements, as he has come across many inefficient installations where there was unnecessary expenditure because substandard companies were approached.

Cilliers notes that an accomplished lighting designer requires skills, such as a good electrical background, the ability to read drawings, knowledge of design programmes and wiring experience.

Moreover, to produce a successful design, the designer needs to consider ease of maintenance, budget constraints and regulations on illuminance levels, he adds.

“If a lighting design is done well, the engineer and client are assured of correct luminaire count for the project and lux level requirements. If a design is neglected or done incorrectly, dark areas may occur, which can lead to severe injuries or poor employee performance on site.”

Cilliers points out that Magnitech will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary this year, and that the industrial sector continuously approaches the company for reliable advice.

“We have, however, seen a change in the industrial sector, whereby the demand for advanced designs and audits has increased. With the increase in budget constraints for the mining sector, the demand for reliable suppliers and products is greater than before.”

Since 2017, the company has been involved in a project for diversified natural resources company Vedanta Zinc International’s Gamsberg zinc mine, in the Northern Cape. Magnitech was involved in area lighting and plant lighting, and spent several months assisting the consulting engineer with detailed three-dimensional designs.

Cilliers notes that each area was carefully inspected to ensure compliance with South African regulations – such as lux level compliance in substation interiors with South African National Standard 10114-1 and that no shadows were cast.

“We created a highly efficient lighting solution and met the client’s requirements at a competitive price,” he highlights. Magnitech used a blend of high-intensity discharge lamps and light-emitting diodes as requested by the client. Cilliers notes that high- pressure sodium floods were used to not disturb wildlife in the surrounding area, however, in the plant area, mostly white light sources were used.

Further, Magnitech believes in the importance of innovation and is continually involved in research and development. The company will launch a new product every quarter throughout this year. The company’s MagLED Generation 2 was launched in the first quarter, and improvements include increased levels of efficiency.