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“ Being able to operate multiple loaders from the surface greatly improves safety and productivity and especially provides operators with a more ergonomic and comfortable position from which to operate the loaders ,” says Burke .
“ The ease of set up has been very impressive and we look forward to continuously improving output in production and development loading .”
AUSTRALIA : REDPATH ROLLS OUT NEW FLEET
Redpath Australia is utilising the proven autonomous and interoperable mining fleet rolled out at the Rothsay Gold Mine in Western Australia in partnership with smart technology specialist RCT .
Redpath Australia selected RCT ’ s adaptive solutions in line with its technology roadmap which prioritises implementing innovative technology that enables mining companies to consistently improve their operations .
RCT has worked closely with Redpath Australia to implement its ControlMaster Guidance solutions at the new narrow-vein gold mine in line with the ramp up of development works .
The underground mine is utilising three Sandvik LH203 ’ s commissioned with ControlMaster Guidance equipped with the latest AutoDump capabilities .
Site personnel are managing the loader fleet from two ControlMaster Automation Centres equipped with Multiple Machine Control ( MMC ) functions enabling the operators to manage multiple loaders at once .
Operators can manage the loader fleet from either the Automation Centre on the surface of the mine or the second Automation Centre located in a secure underground work zone .
Redpath GM , Rory Burke , said that the successful implementation of automating the narrow vein loader fleet at the Rothsay Gold Mine is integral for the success of the mine .
RCT Account Manager Scott Phillips says that the proven autonomous technology will enable highly efficient production activities going forward .
“ Right from the beginning , ControlMaster puts the Rothsay Gold Mine on a path to full mine digitisation enabling site management to integrate it with other mine systems and scale the technology as the mine evolves ,” he says .
“ Managing the loader fleet from the mine ’ s surface enables site to continue production through firing times while also relocating operators to a safer work environment .”
“ RCT ’ s technology is demonstrating fast autonomous tramming cycles providing consistently high bucket counts over the entire shift with clear , instantaneous communications between the loader and the surface at all times .”
“ In addition , RCT ’ s ControlMaster technology has eliminated damage to the loaders when the machines are operating in the Rothsay Gold Mine ’ s tight drives .”
“ RCT ’ s technology will also maintain machine availability across the fleet which is essential to sustain high production rates .”
RCT has provided comprehensive training packages to Redpath Australia ’ s machine operators and maintenance personnel and will continue to provide ongoing technical assistance over the life of the project .
ARGENTINA : TOP TECHNOLOGY FOR LITHIUM MINE
FLSmidth will complete a programme of work including engineering , supply of equipment and service to the Sales de Jujuy Olaroz lithium facility in Argentina , formalising a relationship that commenced in early 2020 . The order , valued at around DKK200 million , has been booked in Q3 2021 .
FLSmidth will also provide site services including installation supervision , commissioning , and training . The new plant will increase output at the site , maintaining its position as a major lithium producer in Argentina . This new lithium extraction facility will provide technical-grade lithium carbonate which , with further purification , will be used to produce battery cathodes for the growing electric vehicle market . Toyota Tsusho Corporation owns 25 % of the facility .
RCT
An operator at the Rothsay Gold Mine in Western Australia .
6 • African Mining • November 2021
“ Following our involvement in extensive process design at Olaroz , we are very excited Sales de Jujuy has entrusted FLSmidth to supply
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