Swedish mining equipment maker Epiroc AB said on Friday it has partnered with Hindustan Zinc Ltd. to deploy its digital collision-avoidance system across the Indian miner’s underground operations in a bid to enhance worker and vehicle safety.

According to a press statement, the system will be introduced in phases at Hindustan Zinc’s five underground mines in Rajasthan, starting with the Sindesar Khurd site, one of the world’s largest silver producers.

The pilot covers 30 low-profile dump trucks and 100 pedestrians, with expansion planned across the company’s operations.

Reducing Mining Fatalities

Epiroc’s CAS is OEM-agnostic, meaning it can be fitted on vehicles from any manufacturer. The technology uses sensors and cameras to improve situational awareness, alerting operators to potential hazards and automatically slowing or stopping machines if necessary.

“Our collaboration with Hindustan Zinc represents a landmark advancement in mining safety technology,” said Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s president and CEO. “The Collision Avoidance System exemplifies how digital innovation delivers proactive risk reduction through intelligent sensing, real-time alerts and autonomous vehicle control.”

Managing Change Underground

Mining remains among the riskiest industries, with vehicle-related accidents a major cause of fatalities. Industry research cited by Epiroc shows up to 40 percent of mining deaths are linked to failures in vehicle interaction controls, nearly half involving pedestrians.

The CAS helps detect hazards and alerts operators to take action, significantly reducing the risk of collision accidents.

“The integration of Epiroc’s Collision Avoidance System at mines will consolidate our commitment to operational excellence and technological leadership,” said Hindustan Zinc Chief Executive Arun Misra.

Safety and Sustainability Push

Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024.

The company has also been incorporating digital technologies as part of a broader sustainability initiative, including the launch of EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon zinc brand, and its recent entry into the International Council on Mining and Metals.

“Strategic metals like zinc, lead and silver are essential for the energy transition. Safer operations are central to our growth,” Misra added.

The companies said wider deployment of collision-avoidance systems could help set a new benchmark for mine safety in India, where vehicle-related incidents remain a persistent risk.