The challenge
Improving safety and productivity
The demand for Australia's natural resources continues to grow. While mining is an important industry for Australia's gross domestic product, it can also be a hazardous workplace. The mining industry continues to improve conditions for mine workers, striving for zero harm, however innovation in processes and technologies are still needed.
Our response
Smarter, safer systems
We are developing a host of solutions which utilise automated systems and advanced processes to reduce the exposure of mine workers to hazardous processes, environments and materials. Additionally, we are finding new ways to reuse waste products.
Our innovative underground longwall automation technology is increasing efficiency and protecting lives. The system uses specialised remote guidance technology to continuously steer the longwall equipment by plotting its position in three dimensions, removing personnel directly from hazards and thereby increasing the safety of the process.
In coal mining, our Ventilation Air Methane Catalytic Turbine (VAMCAT) technology turns hazardous waste gases into power that can be used to power operations at the mine. VAMCAT has the potential to significantly reduce global methane emissions by using low methane concentration drainage gas from underground coal mines for energy production.