SilicaSense™

AI That Detects What Your Eyes Cannot

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is one of the most dangerous airborne hazards in mining. Exposure causes irreversible lung disease, and regulators across Africa and Australia are tightening compliance. Yet today, mines still rely on slow, periodic laboratory sampling leaving teams blind for weeks at a time.

SilicaSense™ changes everything.

Problem

Serious Occupational Hazard

Silica exposure is one of mining's most serious occupational hazards, causing irreversible lung disease. Current detection methods are slow, manual, and costly—requiring expensive laboratory instruments. Mines operate blind between sampling cycles, unable to respond to changing conditions in real-time.

Solution

Real-Time AI Detection

By analysing particulate signatures from DustScout in real time, SilicaSense™ predicts silica-risk conditions using intelligent modelling, sophisticated pattern recognition, and adaptive baseline analysis. Mines gain continuous, site-wide silica visibility — something the industry has never had before.

Impact

Measurable Results

Earlier detection leads to fewer health risks. Targeted suppression can reduce water usage by up to 90%. Better compliance and reporting with continuous monitoring. Reduced downtime through intelligent, data-driven maintenance planning.

Capabilities

Key Features

Detection

Real-Time Risk Inference

Silica risk inference for every haul route, loading bay, crusher, and pit—updated continuously. Works with existing DustScout hardware—no new sensor required.

Intelligence

High-Resolution Detection

PM signature detection to identify respirable particle patterns linked to silica presence. Self-calibrating site model learns material behaviour over time, improving accuracy with each measurement.

Operations

Water-Saving Insights

Target suppression only where risk is rising, reducing unnecessary water usage by up to 90%. Early-warning alerts via dashboard, SMS, or API when high-risk conditions are detected.

Integration

Seamless Deployment

Integrates seamlessly with all DustScout deployments—no additional hardware required. Generates a clear Silica Risk Index for every zone and route.

Interface

SilicaSense™ Risk Dashboard

Site: North Pit
Updated: Real-time
Current Risk Index
6.2
Medium risk zone
High-Risk Segments
3
Active alerts
Water Savings
87%
vs. blanket suppression
Route segments by silica risk
Last 24 hours • Haul loop A12
Low risk (0-4) Medium risk (5-7) High risk (8-10)
StartRoad segments along routeEnd
Benefits

Why It Matters

Protects Workers

Early-warning layer that enhances compliance and supports proactive dust suppression, protecting workers from long-term health hazards.

Reduces Water Usage

Targeted suppression strategies reduce unnecessary water spraying by up to 90%, optimizing resource allocation.

Improves Compliance

Better compliance with evolving silica standards through continuous monitoring and comprehensive documentation.

Optimizes Operations

Provides context-rich environmental intelligence that enables data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency.