Mine sites in general, but particularly underground sites, often require a broad range of supplies and workers can be some distance from conventional storerooms. This can create a logistical challenge for maintaining a consistent supply of consumable equipment and reliable storage of returnable equipment. 

Stock Locker’s automated inventory management machines are high-tech vending machines and lockers that can help mine sites offer their workers organised and reliable inventory storage. Here are a few ways in which Stock Locker machines improve worker safety and productivity in the mining industry. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Safety Equipment

It is vitally important that PPE and safety equipment be readily available to all staff at all times, particularly on mine sites where conditions can be dangerous. 

For returnable equipment, such as face shields and headsets, our lockers provide a centralised storage unit, which also monitors usage and returning of items. For consumables, such as disposable respirators and gloves, our high-tech vending machines can offer continuous supply, so workers are never caught out.  Together, our lockers and vending machines provide a solution that ensures safety protocols are maintained at all times.

Additionally, vending machines and lockers can be monitored remotely and provide inventory reports on demand, so you never need to perform stocktake again. 

Consumables 

Another example of items that are managed efficiently by our high-tech vending machines are all the consumables required in the work of mining, like seals, drill bits, and visi-clips. Our machines create a clear and organised storage location with continuous supply. 

The inventory tracking created by the Stock Locker machines provides another advantage. The device can be configured to expect certain stock-use levels and tolerances. If there is an unexpected overconsumption of an inventory item, the machine can alert the relevant department and help identify possible equipment or process problems early, allowing for rectification before more extensive issues occur.

Spares And Maintenance Supplies

In underground mine sites it can be time-consuming and frustrating to retrieve spare parts and supplies from the surface. Such sites benefit greatly from supply lockers, which can reliably store these items and track their use without any extra process. 

With a locker on hand, a wide variety of machinery, equipment and infrastructure can be easily maintained, providing obvious benefits to efficiency and to safety of staff.  

Furthermore, in the case of higher-value items, the machines can be programmed to record who retrieved it and if necessary, who returned it. In this way, costly losses can be avoided.

First Aid Medical Supplies 

Depending on the type of mine site, a vending machine, locker or combination (vending machine and locker) can be a good way to store and manage first aid supplies and equipment. 

If first aid supply needs are minimal, the site may need only a single locker to securely store a kit. However, if the site poses a variety of risks, it can be useful to meet requirements with a customised combination (vending machine and locker). This type of machine optimises the storage of consumables like bandages and dressings, as well as returnable items like defibrillators and rescue swags. 

As you can see, automated high-tech vending machines and lockers are very useful in mining. To install machines at your mining operation, contact us at Stock Locker today and let us discuss the best machines for your site..