Lighting towers are used for multiple tasks in mining, from illuminating haul roads, excavation areas, crushing stations, to maintenance zones. Atlas Copco’s portable light towers are designed to meet the unique needs of the mining industry, ensuring worker safety, operational efficiency, and compliance with safety standards.
The role of lighting in mining applications
Mining sites operate 24/7, and inadequate lighting can lead to serious safety risks and reduced productivity. Here is how lighting towers contribute to mining operations:
- Enhanced Safety: Proper illumination reduces the risk of accidents on haul roads, excavation areas, crash stations, and maintenance zones.
- Improved Efficiency: Well-lit work areas enable workers to perform tasks with greater precision and speed.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adequate lighting ensures adherence to safety standards and regulations.
Advanced lighting technology for mining
The mining industry is transitioning from traditional metal halide and COB LED lights to more efficient and sustainable lighting solutions:
- Surface-Mounted Device (SMD) LED technology:
- Higher Efficiency: Surface-Mounted Device LEDs offer superior luminous efficacy (lumens per watt) compared to traditional metal halide or COB LEDs.
- Durability: SMD LEDs are built to withstand the harsh conditions of mining environments, including dust, vibration, and extreme temperatures.
- Better Heat Dissipation: Ensures longer operational life and consistent performance.
- Sustainable Power Options:
- Hybrid Systems: Combine diesel and battery power for reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
- Solar-Powered Solutions: Provide zero-emission, noise-free operation, ideal for remote or environmentally sensitive areas.
Choosing the right lighting for mining applications
Selecting the right light tower is critical for mining operations. There are 6 key factors to consider:
- Illuminated Area: Match the light tower’s coverage to the size of the worksite.
- Durability: Opt for equipment with high resistance to dust, water, and vibration (e.g., IP69 and IK10-rated floodlights).
- Mobility & Deployment: Ensure the light tower is easy to transport and quick to set up.
- Autonomy: Hybrid or solar options reduce refueling needs and downtime.
- Energy Source: Choose between diesel, hybrid, or solar power based on site conditions and sustainability goals.
- Temperature Tolerance: Essential for extreme heat or cold environments.
Detail of solar light tower panels
Why Atlas Copco light towers are ideal for mining
Light tower on road to a mining operation
Atlas Copco light towers are engineered to withstand abrasive environments while maintaining durability and performance. Built with powder-coated steel or HardHat canopies, they feature anti-corrosion protection, sealed electrical components, and high IP and IK-rated floodlights. These rugged designs ensure reliable operation in challenging conditions such as dusty, wet, or high-vibration settings, making them ideal for demanding applications like mining operations.
For extended, unattended use, Atlas Copco offers long-autonomy diesel models with runtimes of up to 260 hours. Hybrid options further enhance efficiency, delivering over 600 hours of fuel autonomy and enabling remote monitoring via FleetLink. These innovations minimize manual intervention, maximizing uptime and operational efficiency.
If sites are near urban environments, Atlas Copco’s hybrid and solar-powered light towers, such as the MI+ 6* and MS 4 models, provide silent, emission-free lighting solutions. These units are particularly suited for noise-restricted or environmentally sensitive areas, ensuring compliance with regulations while maintaining performance.
Maintenance requirements are minimal across most Atlas Copco light tower models, with servicing intervals extending beyond 600 hours. This reduces downtime and ensures consistent performance over prolonged periods, making them a cost-effective choice for long-term projects.
For specialized needs, Atlas Copco offers customizable solutions tailored to specific site requirements. Customers can select from various mast types, floodlight power levels, and power sources, ensuring the light towers meet their unique operational demands.
Featured models for mining:
| HiLight H7+ | |
| Specifications | 350W SMD LEDs, illuminating up to 7,000 m².z |
| Efficiency | Low fuel consumption with a reduced CO₂ footprint. |
| Durability | HardHat body for enhanced robustness and easy transport. |
| Ease of Use | Hydraulic mast for ergonomic operation. |
| HiLight MI+ 6 (Hybrid)* | |
| Specifications | 200W high-lumen SMD LEDs, covering up to 6,000 m². |
| Hybrid Operation | Silent nighttime battery operation with daytime charging, extending fuel autonomy and reducing maintenance. |
| Ideal For | Remote areas requiring low emissions and noise levels |
| HiLight MS 4 / MS 5 | |
| Specifications | Solar-powered LED lights with zero noise, emissions, and fuel consumption. |
| Sustainability | Perfect for environmentally sensitive or noise-restricted zones. |
Conclusion
Atlas Copco’s portable light towers are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of mining operations. With advanced SMD LED technology, sustainable power options, and robust designs, these solutions ensure safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Whether you need diesel, hybrid, or solar-powered lighting, Atlas Copco has the right solution for your mining application.
For more information, explore our HiLight H7+ and HiLight MS4/MS5 models, or contact us to discuss your specific needs.
