Category: Tech Talk

Go To Filters Plus

DigitalTech Talk

Go To Filters Plus

Quality Filtration of liquids and air is without question a key part of maintaining an asset in the harsh environments found in the Mining, Quarry and Tunneling industries and any maintenance manager worth their salt is very aware of the vital importance of high-quality filtration and its ongoing maintenance for the protection of the high value assets entrusted to their care. From the highest collapse, lowest micron hydraulic filter that protects a key component or the high efficiency extended drain engine oil filters that provide long life protection to the lubricated engine internals and the multiple 99.999% efficient engine intake air filters that work hard to keep that dreaded “handful” of dust from the diesel engines to the cabin air…

Polymathian Pushing Innovation Boundaries At Carrapateena

DevelopmentsNew TechnologyNews

Polymathian Pushing Innovation Boundaries At Carrapateena

Polymathian has updated details on its collaborative industry project to automate OZ Minerals’ Carrapateena Mine, a sub-level cave operation in South Australia. Polymathian has been applying ground-breaking technology through a METS Ignited Industry Growth Centre Collaborative Project. The $2 million industry-led collaborative project leveraging government funding was awarded to Polymathian to deploy ORB, its mine optimisation software, at OZ Minerals’ underground Carrapateena mine. Representing industry’s continued investment in innovation, ORB is the world’s first and most advanced Short Interval Control system for near real-time optimisation of mine planning and scheduling activities. ORB is currently being used for block cave mining in Australia and around the world, where it has demonstrated an improvement to mining productivity. Industry investment has enabled Polymathian…

Applying Functional Safety to Rail Mounted Mobile Machines

Applying Functional Safety to Rail Mounted Mobile Machines

Rail mounted mobile machines are prolific in the mining industry and are used in many applications such as stacking of material on stockpiles, reclaiming of material and the loading of large bulk carrier ships. In normal operation these machines are usually operated remotely (but not always e.g. ship loaders) but due to their size and capability there are many personnel, financial and environmental risk scenarios associated with their operation and maintenance, for example: Collision with other machines, maintenance equipment, tie-down cradle Collision with stockpile Operating beyond final limits Boom tip overspeed Depending on the machine type and installation the above scenarios can all lead to machine collapse and potential multiple fatalities. These machines are designed to meet the requirements /…

Envirosuite Preparing To Launch A Step-change In Environmental Monitoring

Envirosuite Preparing To Launch A Step-change In Environmental Monitoring

At a time when mining operations around the globe are coming under increasing scrutiny from regulators and society for their environmental stewardship, Envirosuite is preparing to launch a new solution that will provide a step-change in environmental management. A market leader in continuous environmental monitoring for many years, Envirosuite is putting the final touches on its latest solution – a new platform called EVS Omnis – with the new product set to be launched in the first half of 2022. The Australian Mining Review recently caught up with Matt Scholl, Envirosuite’s Global Head, Mining & Industrial and Ryan Smyth, Managing Director & Mining Solution Provider (Stratium Group) to hear about the latest developments in Noise and Vibration Control and Monitoring…

Aurizon and Siemens bring ETCS to Australia

Aurizon and Siemens bring ETCS to Australia

Rail is the primary transport for coal across Central Queensland. Safety risks relating to overspeed events, signals passed at dangers (SPADs) and exceeding movement authorities put community and personnel lives at risk. Australia’s largest rail freight operator has teamed up with global company Siemens to implement industry leading technology in rail safety operations. Aurizon, in collaboration with Siemens, are rolling out the European Train Control System (ETCS) technology in the Central Queensland Coal Network (CQCN) and has branded this ETCS level 2 in its business as TrainGuard. European Train Control System (ETCS) The ETCS was originally developed for seamless train operation across national borders in Europe. It is an advanced addition to the signalling system that relays continuous information between…

RISSB Helping Keep Australia’s Heavy Haulers On Track

RISSB Helping Keep Australia’s Heavy Haulers On Track

Having increased its membership by 60% in the last year, the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) is clearly doing something right. With its membership including the major Pilbara mining companies involved in heavy haulage of valuable ore across Australia, RISSB is playing a critical role in working with the industry to ensure it meets the necessary regulatory standards. The Australian Mining Review recently caught up with RISSB Chair and industry veteran, David George, to discuss the organisation’s collaborative role with the Australian Heavy Haulage rail sector and the mining companies that are part of it. “RISSB is industry’s partner in co-regulation. We are helping manage safety and play an active role in shaping the regulatory environment,” David said.…

When it comes to dust suppression, Marc Technologies has you covered

Tailings ManagementTanks and StorageTech Talk

When it comes to dust suppression, Marc Technologies has you covered

When it comes to the efficient use of valuable water resource, dust suppression is often a significant factor in an operation’s overall useage of this precious and expensive resource. Australian-headquartered Marc Technologies is a noted specialist in the area and it is able to offer a number of options that not only help keep the dust under control – but can also save clients money and water. “There is a suite of different techniques that we use for dust depression. We utilise specialist technologies that are very, very efficient in terms of water usage and also very effective in terms of dust control,” Marc Technologies Air Division Manager, Dave McMillan, told the AMR recently. The two main water efficient, dust…

Concept Provides World-First Large-Scale Modular Tank Option

Tech TalkWater tanks

Concept Provides World-First Large-Scale Modular Tank Option

Concept Environmental Services estimates that the installation of its unique Concept Tanks over the years has prevented more than 86-million-tonnes of earthworks in Australia. The innovative Brisbane-based company offers the world’s first true large-scale modular tanks, up to a gargantuan 100 megalitres, that are both relocatable and reusable. Founded in 2009 by Kieron Jeffries and Shaun Barry, Concept Environmental Services set out to provide a superior solution to the traditional fluid storage methods typically used within the resources sector. Following an in-depth research and development program, Concept designed and engineered a fluid storage system that offered greater protection to the environment and provided significant cost savings for customers. The company has been so successful that since that time it has…

Heaton Has Role To Play In Helping Overcome Rail Skills Shortages

Heaton Has Role To Play In Helping Overcome Rail Skills Shortages

With forecasts that Australia’s rail sector is facing a serious skills shortage, a local start-up is well placed to help attract potential new workers to the industry. According to a recent report published by the Australian Railway Association, the rail industry contributes around $30 Billion to the Australian economy and employs more than 165,000 workers directly and indirectly in full-time equivalent (FTE) terms. This comprises private and public operators, passenger and freight operators, track owners and managers, manufacturers and suppliers that operate in urban, regional and rural areas of Australia. Rail Skills Shortage The rail freight sector is considered a critical component in Australia’s future growth, however, new studies show the sector is facing a major skills shortage crisis. New…

On The Right Track

EarthmovingTech Talk

On The Right Track

When it comes to supply of high quality rubber tracks in Australia, Tradefaire International Pty Ltd (TFI) is often looked upon as the industry go-to. Founded in 1992 and still proudly family-owned and operated, TFI is widely recognised as a leading supplier of superior quality on and off-road tyres and related technical expertise in the Australasian tyre industry. TFI believes that the right components can make a huge difference to the operational efficiency of customers’ processes. With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, it specialises in supplying highgrade rubber tracks that can be used in the construction and agricultural sector. Its rubber tracks adhere to the highest standards of quality and are available in a variety of…

Treading Carefully

Tech TalkThermographics

Treading Carefully

Off-The-Road (OTR) tyre failures pose a major safety and financial risk to mine operations. In a worst-case failure, a tyre fire can occur, with the more likely outcome—if tyre damage is not identified— unplanned downtime for tyre changes plus the potential cost of $50,000 and potential injury to employees. Not having any insight into active tyre damage on-site also makes forward planning of tyre stock difficult and can make change times longer. To help its clients keep their highly valuable equipment and keep their workers safe, FLIR has provided key internal technology for the recently introduced Pitcrew AI system. Pitcrew AI leverages FLIR’s state-of-the-art thermal imaging and AI technology to change the way trucking and mining vehicles are inspected. The…