Diamonds Are a Thief’s Best Friend: How FLIR Thermal Imaging Enhances Security at Namdeb’s Diamond Mines

A big sign, stating: "Diamond theft hurts us all – don't do it", is one of the first things visitors see when they arrive at the small airport of Oranjemund, Namibia.

Oranjemund, meaning mouth of the Orange River is situated in the far south western corner of Namibia. The town was established in 1936, following the discovery of diamonds on the north bank of the Orange River. Accessing the town is impossible without a special permit issued by the Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy. Diamond theft is a big concern, for Oranjemund which is located within one of the richest diamond fields in the world. In order to prevent diamond theft, Namdeb has installed FLIR thermal imaging cameras.

Oranjemund and Namdeb Diamond corporation

The main control room at Oranjemund

Prior to the discovery of diamonds in the Namibian desert, some prospecting had taken place along the coast as early as 1863. In 1908, a railway worker Zacharia Lewala, stumbled on a shiny treasure that started a major diamond rush. As a result, diamond mining regulations were introduced in 1911 and the Sperrgebiet or "forbidden territory" was declared.

In 1920, Sir Ernest Oppenheimer formed Consolidated Diamond Mines of South West Africa (CDM). Oranjemund, a unique town that owes its existence to diamond mining, was established in 1936. It services the Mining Area 1 and Orange River mines. In 1994, an agreement between CDM and the Government of the Republic of Namibia resulted in the formation of Namdeb Diamond Corporation (Pty) Limited. Namdeb Diamond Corporation (Pty) Limited is owned in equal shares by the Government of the Republic of Namibia and De Beers Centenary AG. Namdeb's redecessor, Consolidated Diamond Mines (CDM), was a wholly owned subsidiary of De Beers until 1994.

Namdeb Diamond Corporation (Pty) Ltd. is the world's leading alluvial diamond miner. It extracts diamonds from sand, gravel and clay using the open-pit method. The process involves removing the overlying ground and then extracting the diamonds.

"Needless to say, that the bedrock area is a critical area for security.", explains Mr. Harold Schoeman, Security Senior Technician at Namdeb, Oranjemund. "We monitor the workers closely to see that they are not trying to take away diamonds. We have introduced movable wireless camera systems called "spider cameras" on the bedrock mining sites. These are small, movable CCTV cameras installed on the bedrock, close to the workers. We can zoom in and follow their activities from a centralized video monitoring facility. The camera systems have assisted us with good quality video footage, which are used as evidence in disciplinary actions and in court cases of diamond theft."

"The workers are aware that they are being monitored so they are careful of what they do. Sometimes they hide stones in a remote area of the bedrock area. Once it is dark, they will try to come back and pick up the diamonds. In order to avoid this we have installed thermal imaging cameras.", explains Mr. Freddie Groenewald, Security Chief Technician at Namdeb, Oranjemund. "We have installed mobile surveillance systems on all active bedrock sites. These systems include a FLIR SR-100 thermal imaging camera."

Strategic Investment in FLIR Thermal Cameras

A moveable trailer with solar panel. The FLIR Systems SR-100 thermal imaging camera is mounted in a stainless steel protective housing which protects it against the harsh weather conditions alongside the Namibian coast.

To improve surveillance over the high-risk bedrock areas, Namdeb made a significant investment in FLIR's SR-100 cameras. “We recently purchased 16 FLIR Systems SR-100 cameras to overlook the bedrock areas. We had experience with other thermal imaging cameras in the past and were very much aware how thermal imaging can help us. We decided however to buy FLIR thermal imaging cameras for various reasons,” says Mr. Groenewald.

The SR-100 cameras are equipped with Vanadium Oxide detectors, producing exceptional image quality that captures even the smallest details. “The FLIR cameras contain a Vanadium Oxide detector and produce an excellent image on which the smallest of details can be seen. Since they are producing images with a frame rate of 9 Hz we did not need any export license to install them in Namibia. The 9 Hz images are not a problem for us and suit our needs perfectly. Furthermore, the cameras which we had installed previously contained a BST detector. In order to operate well, they contain an internal mechanical chopper that calibrates the image. This chopper was very susceptible to breakdowns. Each time we had to send a camera in for repair it was away for quite some time. By buying FLIR Systems material we are eliminating all these problems. We are convinced that we are getting excellent value for our money.”

Operating in Extreme Environmental Conditions

The SR-100 cameras face a challenging operational environment, positioned near the coast where they are constantly exposed to salt spray and strong winds. “The cameras we are operating on the bedrock areas are operating in extremely harsh conditions. Not only are they installed close to the sea, which means they are susceptible to salt spray, they are also exposed to strong winds. It is like their housing is being sandblasted continuously,” says Mr. Groenewald.

To enhance durability, FLIR’s distributor in South Africa, Timeless Technologies, implemented additional protective measures. “Although the cameras are extremely well protected, we decided that they could use some extra protection in these conditions,” explains Mr. Tinus Diedericks of Timeless Technologies, “Therefore, we have constructed a ‘Stainless Steel 316’ housing. The FLIR Systems SR-100 cameras are installed in the housing together with a CCTV camera which overlooks the bedrock during daytime. The housing containing the two cameras is installed on a pan/tilt which increases situational awareness and allows following people when necessary.”

To ensure maximum protection of the camera lens, an 8 mm thick germanium window was added. “To protect the lens of the SR-100 cameras we have installed an 8 mm thick germanium window. More than 99% of the infrared radiation transmits through it. The germanium window has been hardened with cobalt on the outside and has an anti-reflexive coating on the inside. This way we can assure a perfect image quality and extremely high protection of the thermal imaging cameras.”

Mobility and Energy Efficiency

The camera system is designed to be mobile and energy-efficient. “The cameras and other equipment are powered by solar energy. A solar panel provides more than enough power to operate. Batteries, which can last up to four days, are being used as a back-up. The entire system has been installed on a small trailer. This way, Namdeb has the possibility to move it from one mining area to another. Once an area is mined out, they can easily move it to the next one without any problems.” Mr. Diedericks explains.

Centralized Monitoring and Wireless Connectivity

Namdeb’s control room in Oranjemund serves as the central hub for monitoring surveillance footage, even from remote locations over 200 km away. “It works really simple!” says Mr. Diedericks. “The small spider cameras installed on the bedrock are connected wirelessly to the station on which the thermal imaging cameras are installed. From this station, all signals are sent wirelessly to a small local control room. This again allows for moving the cameras easily to a new location. A fiber optic cable goes from these control rooms to the main control room in Oranjemund. There the images of all cameras can be monitored and the cameras can be controlled.”

Surveillance Beyond the Bedrock: Entrance and Exit Monitoring

Thermal imaging cameras are also deployed at critical access points. “Although we also have other equipment in place, we monitor the entrance and exit to Mining Area 1 and the ‘no-mans land’ continuously with a FLIR Systems PTZ-35x140 MS thermal imaging camera,” explains Mr. Groenewald. “The camera is installed on a high mast on which also our communication and other equipment is installed. During daytime, we can use the daylight camera installed in the PTZ-35x140 MS. When it gets dark, we switch to thermal. The PTZ-35x140 MS has the ability to zoom in and have a closer look at suspect activities which is perfect for us.”

Security measures extend beyond cameras, with additional defenses in place. “The entrance to Mining Area 1 is in the town of Oranjemund itself. Between the mining area and the town a ‘no-mans land’ has been created. In this ‘no-mans land’ dogs are patrolling continuously to make sure that no one tries to enter or leave the area in an unauthorized way.”

One of the more unusual smuggling techniques involves the use of crossbows. “One of the ways in which people are trying to get diamonds out of the mining area is by shooting crossbow arrows over the ‘no-mans land.’ The arrows are hollow and the inside is filled with diamonds. An accomplice picks up the arrows on the other side. Thanks to the PTZ-35x140 MS, we can now monitor, in total darkness and also in foggy conditions, what is happening alongside the fence. If we see people approaching and suspect illegal activity we send out a patrol. Since the PTZ-35x140 MS is mounted on a robust pan/tilt mechanism, we can overlook an entire area and if necessary follow a suspect person so that he cannot get away.”

The Benefits of Thermal Imaging Over Fences

Namdeb’s focus on eco-friendly operations has also influenced their approach to security. “Thermal imaging cameras have proven their worth here in Oranjemund,” Mr. Groenewald continues. “They are an excellent tool for spotting activity in total darkness and in harsh weather conditions. Thermal imaging provides us with other options as well. At Namdeb we are trying to work in an ecological friendly way. If a mining area is mined out, we rehabilitate the area to its original state. Although sometimes fences are necessary, we try to avoid them as much as possible. We are investigating thermal imaging to further assist us with perimeter protection. This may reduce the civil works cost for expensive fencing options.”

Beyond Security: A New Use for Thermal Imaging

FLIR’s thermal imaging technology is proving to be valuable beyond security applications. “With the advanced knowledge gained by working with thermal imaging cameras, I also want to use the technology for activities I do in my spare time,” Mr. Groenewald shares. “Apart from being an amateur photographer I am technically assisting a scientist, Dr. Ingrid Wiesel, with the Brown Hyena Project. We are researching the behavior of this fascinating animal that lives in the Namibian desert. We would like to install a small thermal imaging camera, in co-operation with Tinus Diedericks from Timeless Technologies, in front of one of the dens to see exactly what happens during the night. After all, for seeing what is going on in total darkness, for security or any other application, there is no better tool than a thermal imaging camera.”

With its ability to enhance security, monitor vast mining operations, and even support wildlife research, FLIR’s thermal imaging technology is proving to be a vital tool in Oranjemund and beyond.

Discover how FLIR’s advanced thermal imaging solutions can help you protect valuable assets, monitor critical areas, and improve situational awareness in any environment. Learn more about our cutting-edge security applications today.

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