What is a mine spec vehicle? A mine spec vehicle is a vehicle that is outfitted with specific safety modifications to ensure they can handle the rugged terrain and challenging environment of mine sites.
Mine spec vehicles feature modifications that enhance function and safety to reduce the risk of accidents and maximise performance on mine sites. Mine spec vehicle requirements vary based on state government regulations and requirements set by specific mine sites.
I’ve completed a lot of mine spec vehicle fitouts in Perth for many mine site operators to ensure their vehicles are fitted according to mine spec requirements. If you are new to mine spec vehicles, this guide is for you. Here, I will simplify what I’ve learned over the past two decades to help get you started.
Quick Summary
- A mine spec vehicle is a vehicle that has been modified to fit the strict safety standards of a mine site
- Important mine spec vehicle inclusions and upgrades include rollover protection structures, communication upgrades, visibility accessories, flashing beacons, heavy-duty tyres, bull bars, and ABS brakes
- Popular mine spec vehicles include the Toyota Hilux, Toyota 70 Series LandCruisers, and Toyota Prado
- Mine spec vehicle requirements are set by state governments and mine site operators
- Different mine sites have different requirements for safety standards
Typical Mine Spec Vehicle Inclusions
Mine sites are notorious for their harsh conditions, unpredictable weather, high fire danger, and uneven terrain. The right upgrades ensure mine spec vehicles can function properly while reducing the risk of fire, accidents, and injuries. Safety regulations are put in place by state governments and the specific mining site.
Typical mine spec vehicle inclusions and upgrades include:
- Visibility Upgrades such as high visibility reflective tape, safety triangles, mine light bars, and flashing beacons to ensure visibility in all light conditions or dusty conditions.
- Rollover Protection Structures (ROPS): Rollover protection is one of the most important safety upgrades for mine spec vehicles. Uneven, rough, off-road terrain is common on mine sites, increasing the chance of rollovers. ROPS help protect vehicle occupants should a rollover occur.
- Heavy-Duty Tyres, including all-terrain tyres for added traction and durability and a spare tyre in case of a blown tyre on off-road terrain.
- A Bull Bar to protect against damage during trips to and from mine sites.
- Wheel Nut Indicators to make it easy for operators to spot wheel nuts that need to be tightened.
- A UHF Radio or VHF Radio for reliable, secure communication with other controllers and operators even in areas where signals are nonexistent or weak. If your mine spec vehicle isn’t already equipped with a VHF radio or UHF radio, I recommend prioritising this upgrade.
- Wheel Chocks to prevent the vehicle from accidentally moving while in park.
- Various-Sized Fire Extinguishers to mitigate the high fire danger that often accompanies mining operations.
- A Weed and Seed Declaration to verify compliance and prevent contamination with declared plants and weeds.
- An Electric Brake Controller if the mine spec vehicle needs to be used for towing.
- ABS Brakes to ensure control, prevent skidding, and boost traction. ABS brakes also have sensors that pulse the wheels during abrupt stops to prevent wheel lock. This important upgrade is a standard modification for the majority of mine spec vehicles.
- Battery Isolators to reduce electrical hazards and prevent accidental fires.
- IVMS (In-vehicle monitoring system) to record data, such as vehicle speed and distance travelled.
What Are the Best Mine Spec Vehicles?
Most 4WD vehicles can be modified according to mine spec vehicle requirements. However, when people ask, “what is a mine spec vehicle?”, Toyota is usually the first brand that comes to mind. Toyota is well known as one of the most reliable mine spec vehicle manufacturers.
Below are some of the most popular mine spec vehicles:
- Toyota Hiluxes
- Toyota 70 Series LandCruisers
- Toyota Prados
Mine Spec Vehicle Requirements
Mine spec vehicle requirements ensure vehicles are adequately equipped for mine operations. Mine spec vehicle requirements focus on fire suppression, roll over protection, brakes, and visibility upgrades to maximise safety.
Each mine has its own specifications regarding mine spec vehicle requirements to reduce the risk of injuries and accidents. Mine spec requirements are set by the site, mine owners, and state governments.
Mine Spec Vehicle Requirements by State Governments
WA
The Western Australian Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995 covers the strict safety protocols mining operations must comply with.
In Western Australia (WA), all mine spec vehicles are required to have safety features and upgrades such as:
- Proper seating
- Effective flashing beacons
- Audible warning signals
- Service, parking, and emergency braking systems
- Rollover protection
- A compliant fire suppression system
- Effective headlights, turn indicators, and tail lights
- Seat belts that conform to Australian Design Rules or AS 2664
- Prominent, easily accessible emergency stop devices
- Exhaust treatment devices for diesel units rated at 125 kW or more or turbocharged vehicles
Queensland
Queensland has its own mine spec vehicle requirements, as outlined in the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Regulation 2017. Some of the Queensland mine spec vehicle requirements include:
- Service, emergency, and parking brakes that are tested and maintained in compliance with manufacturer specifications
- Roll over protective structures in compliance with AS 2294
- Seat belts conforming to Australian Design Rules or AS 2664
- Fire suppression measures
- Remote-controlled units need to have an automatic fire suppression system that can be activated remotely
- Diesel units rated at 125 kW or more are required to have an FFFP or AFFF fire suppression system
- Effective tail lights, tail lights, and turn indicators
- Audible warning signals
- Turbocharged vehicle or diesel units rated at 125 kW or more must have properly maintained exhaust treatment devices
- Regular sampling of undiluted exhaust gas from diesel units
- Nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emissions must remain under specified levels
Mine Spec Vehicle Requirements By Site
Along with state regulations, each mine site will separate mine spec vehicle requirements. For instance, some mine operators may require additional safety features beyond the standard mine fitment package.
BHP
Some of the BHP requirements, outlined in detail in their Safety Requirements document, require mine spec vehicles to have:
- A 5-star safety rating from a recognised vehicle assessment program
- A “Good” rating in both frontal and side crash tests from IIHS
- No aftermarket modifications that could have a negative impact on vehicle safety features
In addition to these mine spec vehicle requirements, BHP also sets these safety requirements for any vehicles that carry nine or more individuals (high occupancy vehicles):
- Appropriate fire suppression systems and fire extinguishers
- Date monitoring systems to record driver behaviours, such as speed
- 3-point seat belts for all occupants
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Appropriate tyre selection and maintenance
- A journey risk assessment and management plan
- Relevant local licenses for any HOV drivers
Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto mine spec vehicle requirements include:
- Front, curtain, and side airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and fixed seats for all passengers and the driver
- Speedometre with warning devices to prevent collisions with objects or pedestrians
- A risk-based process for testing brake systems
- No vehicles can tow equipment unless specifically manufactured for towing purposes
BMA
The BMA mine spec vehicle requirements adhere to BHP safety standards, including:
- 5-star safety rating from recognised vehicle assessment programs
- “Good” rating in both frontal and side crash tests from IIHS
- No aftermarket modifications that decrease safety
In addition to the mine spec vehicle requirements, BMA also follows safety requirements for high occupancy vehicles:
- Appropriate fire suppression systems and fire extinguishers
- Date monitoring systems to record driver behaviours, such as speed
- 3-point seat belts for all occupants
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Appropriate tyre selection and maintenance
- A journey risk assessment and management plan
- Relevant local licenses for any HOV drivers
FMG
FMG mine spec vehicle requirements include:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
- Front, side, and curtain airbags
- Speedometers and warning devices designed to help prevent accidental collisions or interactions with objects or people
- Safety belts and fixed seats for the driver and all passengers
- A risk-based process to test braking systems for effectiveness on a periodic schedule
- Pre-operational safety checks for all vehicles
- No vehicles can tow equipment unless they are manufactured specifically as towing vehicles
Custom Mine Spec Vehicle Fitouts
Mine spec vehicles are crucial to safe, productive mining operations. Each state government and mining site will have strict mine spec vehicle requirements to maximise safety.
Our expert technicians are trained in local and state mine spec vehicle requirements and can ensure your vehicle is fitted properly. Contact us to get a free quote for your mine spec vehicle fitout in Perth.
