IDS GeoRadar launches compact safety monitoring radar for mining

HYDRA-X increases safety in strip coal mines, tailing dams, small open-pits, quarries

(Pisa, Italy, 19 April 2018) – IDS GeoRadar, a leading provider of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and interferometric solutions worldwide, today launched HYDRA-X, a radar-based technology solution specifically designed to support geotechnical engineers in the mining industry.

HYDRA-X is a compact safety monitoring radar for the mining industry

HYDRA-X supports the different types of mine site needs, ranging from strip coal mines, tailing dams, small open pits, quarries and sub-benches monitoring in huge open pits. HYDRA-X is a compact radar solution that is easily transportable for quick deployment in critical areas. The radar provides high-resolution, high-accuracy early warning and real time monitoring.

“HYDRA-X is a perfect fit for various geotechnical needs,” said Niccolo Coli, director of the IDS GeoRadar mining business unit. “After heavily testing the system in different sites, we were satisfied with its reliability and robustness in all mining and weather conditions with relatively low maintenance costs. HYDRA-X will introduce a new method for safety monitoring and analysis, particularly supporting for design of open-pits, safely operating short-term push-backs as well as on-site data processing and alarm functions for a quick response in the case of sudden accelerations typical of small-scale failures.”

Safety monitoring for a safe mine

HYDRA-X ensures a spatial resolution two times finer than any other slope monitoring radar on the market. By close monitoring of hanging benches over working areas or elements at risk, the system can measure sub-bench scale instabilities. With a scan range of 800 metres, at risk areas can be safely monitored for even the smallest rock movement.

HYDRA-X represents a solution for monitoring quarries and small excavations where radar monitoring can contribute to the optimisation of slope design and extraction planning by improving risk management of the operation The system’s versatility for different types of extraction methods leads to benefits in terms of safety and operations.

Full integration with the IDS GeoRadar IBIS Guardian industry-leading software provides a powerful tool to interpret radar data and visualise alarms on the onset of impending hazardous slope movements.

To learn more about HYDRA-X, visit: https://idsgeoradar.com/products/interferometric-radar/hydra-x