Today, RCT’s agnostic Automation can be found at many of Barminco’s operations throughout the Goldfields region, and now there is one more to add with the completion of our most recent project at IGO’s Nova mine.

Despite the site's existing automation infrastructure, when it came time for upgrading, RCT Automation was selected as the preferred supplier by Barminco, which is a subsidiary of global mining services group, Perenti.

“Technology and innovation are a key focus for Barminco, and we appreciated the simplicity of the RCT Automation solution—quicker setup times and ease of use for our operators,” said Darren Kwok, Head of Mining Electrification and Technology for Perenti Contract Mining.

The loaders are operated from the safety and comfort of Automation Centres which have been situated both underground and on the surface of the mine.

To enhance sustainability and cost-efficiency, existing cabins were repurposed, meticulously refurbished at RCT’s Kalgoorlie branch.

“The cabins required sandblasting and painting before we lined them with fridge panelling and fitted them out with RCT’s state-of-art ergonomic chair and operations centre,” said Kalgoorlie Branch Manager, Rick Radcliffe.

In addition to providing agnostic, state-of-the-art automation, RCT was able to work with Barminco to utilise both the existing underground communications technology and supplement it with the RCT connect to ensure we provide the best and most cost-effective solution for the client.

Because RCT is a full-service company as well as supplying and installing the technology, the team provided extensive operator training to empower site and ensure self-sufficiency with the technology. This commitment to client support aligns with RCT’s ethos of providing comprehensive local assistance.

“We have a good working relationship with RCT, and this extends beyond just the service delivery and project delivery,” said Darren.

“Outcomes from the project have been positive and we have worked collaboratively with RCT to ensure any operational concerns raised were reviewed and their product offering improved based on our feedback,” Darren added.

RCT’s Kalgoorlie Branch Manager, Rick Radcliffe said it was a pleasure to complete this project with the Barminco team based at Nova.

“From the beginning to the end, everyone was well organised, communicated well and had a common vision of making this transition as seamless to the mining team as possible,” he said.

“When two companies have the same goal of implementing quality products into a technology focused operation, they will always be successful, and that was certainly the case at Nova.”

“We are looking forward to working with Barminco over the coming months to assess the impact that the project has had,” added Rick