Flameproof headlamps under development for local mines
To both increase its supply footprint in Southern Africa as well as enhance its mining product portfolio, outdoor and underground lighting solutions provider Extreme Lights is developing a new range of flameproof headlamps and cap lamps that will meet the stringent safety requirements of high-risk mining environments.
It is expected that the new models will comply with explosion-proof certifications for equipment used in explosive environments, and those which ensure that lights can be safely used in hazardous locales such as coal mines, chemical plants and other environments where there might be combustible gases or dust.
The development of the new range aligns with Extreme Lighting’s commitment to expanding its product range to meet the evolving demands of the mining sector.
“By incorporating advanced safety features, durability and long battery life, these upcoming products will provide reliable lighting solutions for extreme conditions while maintaining the quality and innovation that our company is known for,” says Extreme Lighting CEO Charl du Plessis.
The range is set to be available to South African miners by the end of October this year.
He says the new flameproof range will enhance Extreme Lights’ existing range of the EMS2.1 cordless LED mining headlamp and the corded LED mining cap lamp.
These mining cap lamps have been specifically designed for underground mining to tackle the distinct challenges faced by South African mining operations, such as dimly lit and dusty environments.
“The main purpose of their development was to enhance safety, efficiency and resilience for miners in perilous conditions, all while remaining cost-effective.”
The creation of the first range of mining cap lamps was subjected to a meticulous process, which involved thorough field testing and input from industry experts, Du Plessis adds.
Initial designs will be improved, based on performance data from real-world use, resulting in enhancements in brightness, battery life and sturdiness.
Lighting The Way
Extreme Lights’ custom-made solutions suit any openpit mines, gold and platinum mines, as well as construction and tunnelling projects; it can also be used in general industrial maintenance applications.
“Extreme Lights’ mining cap lamps are designed for durability, efficiency and reliability in these non-flameproof-required settings, ensuring optimal performance where explosion risks are not a concern,” Du Plessis elaborates.
The mining cap lamps and their charging devices comply with international safety and quality standards, including IEC standards, and safety and performance requirements for mining applications.
“We have ensured they also attain adequate ingress protection ratings for dust and water resistance,” he adds.
Further approvals include a material safety data sheet compliance certificate pertaining to the shipment of lithium batteries and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications local compliance for imports, which will facilitate the enforcement of compliance to local and international industry requirements alike.
“The mining industry constitutes a substantial part of Extreme Lights’ market share, which has experienced consistent growth driven by increasing safety regulations and a heightened need for high-performance, dependable lighting solutions,” Du Plessis posits.
The company also offers a range of other lighting solutions tailored to the mining sector, including high-output floodlights designed to provide powerful illumination for underground work areas, consequently enhancing visibility and safety.
Further offerings include vehicle-mounted lighting systems, which have been engineered for mining trucks and heavy machinery, ensuring optimal operational efficiency in low-light poorly lit environments.
“The need for durable, efficient lighting in South African mining operations has driven the adoption of these products, and continuous innovation ensures that Extreme Lights remains competitive in this sector,” concludes Du Plessis.
https://www.miningweekly.com/article/flameproof-headlamps-under-development-for-local-mines-2025-02-13
credit: Halima Frost, Creamer Media, Senior Writer - Engineering News & Mining Weekly. Volume 45 No.7 Feb 28 - March 6 2025