RCT – Powered by Epiroc is proud to have played an integral part in the reopening of a prominent Canadian Nickel mine as it moved into open pit mining last year.
The mining services company, leading operations at the site, teamed with RCT to ensure a safe and efficient operation with the implementation of our agnostic automation.
RCT’s Canadian branch was sought after to implement the automation on site as a preventative measure to mitigate risks expected with the mine’s transition from underground to surface mining.
“Because the earth underground has been mined for some years, it’s important that any work done on the surface is done with care due to the voids,” said RCT’s Account Manager, Kole Paulin.
As a result, RCT has its agnostic AutoNav Tele installed on two CAT D10 dozers and a CAT 992 Wheel Loader.
“RCT can remote any make and model of machine, but this was the first opportunity we had to remote this specific model of Wheel Loader,” added Mr Paulin.
This state-of-the-art technology allows operators to be relocated from the machines to a more secure area where they can operate the machines safely.
In this instance, operators were relocated to an AutoNav Cabin, complete with an ergonomic chair and temperature control, resulting in improved operator comfort and reduced fatigue.
“This mining region experiences extreme cold, reaching -20 degrees. Removing operators from the machine is beneficial for overall health and job enjoyment,” said Kole.
RCT was also responsible for implementing communications on site, this was navigated by the team who had to factor in the extreme weather conditions to ensure an effective and reliable comms solution.
“RCT is unique in that we can provide multiple proven solutions to help our clients achieve their goals,” he said.
RCT also delivered a communications solution and Geofence Zone, helping to improve safety and operational efficiency in a challenging environment.
In addition to the successful implementation of cutting-edge technology, RCT also provided training to staff so they can be self-sufficient on site.
Installation was completed by the RCT team, including Technical Specialist, Keegan Koertzen and feedback has been very positive.
“Having Keegan on the team for this project made it a seamless process,” said Mr Paulin.
The successful implementation has enabled the mining services company to safely transition to surface mining operations, while leveraging RCT’s automation, safety and communications technologies to improve efficiency and protect personnel in a challenging environment.
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Emma Young, RCT Communications Officer
RCT is pleased to be showcasing its cutting-edge technologies to top-tier Canadian mining companies at the forthcoming Canadian Mining Expo (CME) in Ontario later this month.
Front and center of RCT’s presence at CME will be our ControlMaster® automation technology which has a strong history of enhancing Canadian surface and underground mining operations.
The Canadian team, comprising of North America’s Regional Manager, Samuel Peterson and Global Business Development Manager for Mining, Ryan Noden are looking forward to meeting with potential and existing clients and promoting the benefits ControlMaster® to their operations.
“CME is always a highlight for the RCT team. We play such a big role in the Canadian mining community and this expo provides such a great platform to meet with industry people and discuss our interoperable automation, information, and protection solutions,” said Mr Peterson.
“We will be happy to share with conference attendees’ stories of our success and how our ControlMaster® automation technology is advancing local mining operations right now.”
“It is important for all conference attendees to know that RCT has an established presence in Ontario and when you partner with us we will be here to support you every step of the way.”
The two-day event runs from June 8- 9 and is expected to draw about 5,000 visitors. If you are one of them, then please drop by and chat with the team at R8-07 (Arena 2 and Upper Deck) at the McIntyre Community Centre, Timmins.
Evolution Mining has selected global smart technology specialist RCT to deliver its market-leading autonomous technology to transform its new Red Lake mine in Ontario, Canada.
Evolution Mining has embarked on a comprehensive three-year investment strategy that will restore the newly acquired Red Lake mine to a safe, highly efficient, long life and low-cost operation providing strong value for shareholders.
To assist in the turnaround strategy, RCT will commission its proven interoperable and scalable ControlMaster® Guidance Automation technology to the underground loader fleet.
RCT is working closely with Red Lake’s leadership team to seamlessly integrate the new technology to enable greater productivity efficiencies to support Evolution Mining’s transformation strategy.
The technology will unlock significant value for Evolution Mining by ensuring optimal machine performance, higher speed autonomous tramming, and reduced machine damage. The technology will deliver faster production cycle times and reduced unplanned downtime across the loader fleet.
The loaders will be controlled from either the surface-based ControlMaster® Automation Centre or the customised underground Automation Centres designed specifically for easier transfer via the mine shaft hoist system.
This solution safeguards machine operators by relocating them away from hazards commonly found at the mine face and significantly reduces shift handover times, lowering overhead costs and resulting in greater site efficiencies.
Kirsty Liddicoat, Red Lake General Manager stated “We are very pleased to be partnering with RCT to introduce modern technologies to Red Lake as part of our Transformation process. RCT equipment will enable higher productivity and efficiencies from our underground scoop fleet, while improving safety for our people.”
RCT’s Mining Business Development Manager Ryan Noden said ControlMaster® is an ideal solution to help deliver the operational transformation that is aligned to Evolution Mining’s Red Lake strategy.
“The advanced features of the ControlMaster® Automation technology means Red Lake will be able to quickly achieve improved production efficiencies from its loader fleet, with a greater level of safety for its operators.
“Red lake will also benefit from selecting a truly interoperable technology provider that can collaborate closely with them to realise further mobile equipment automation opportunities as further optimisation of the asset is achieved,” Mr Noden said.
“RCT has a proven history of supporting its clients to successfully adopt automation technology.”
“We are pleased that Evolution Mining selected RCT as their technology partner to advance site operations in-line with their optimisation plans.”
“RCT has a proud history of delivering value to the Canadian mining sector and we look forward to continually delivering to them with our cutting-edge technology backed by our dedicated in-country support team based at the company’s facility in Sudbury, Ontario.”
Australian autonomous solutions specialist RCT is fronting up to the annual Canadian Mining Expo (CME) in Timmins, Ontario to discuss its latest mining automation technology with delegates.
Staff from one of RCT’s regional branches will attend to discuss ControlMaster® Guidance Automation range as well as the company’s proprietary protection, fleet management and parts ranges.
The ControlMaster® Guidance Automation package enables heavy mining plant to autonomously tram between production levels locations while also presenting real-time graphical machine data to operators located in secure locations.
RCT Regional Manager - North America Andrew Sells said the event will be a great opportunity to network with potential and existing clients.
“RCT has successfully implemented a number of projects for Canadian mining companies including commissioning ControlMaster® Teleremote on a CAT D11T dozer and a CAT 390D hydraulic excavator for Teck Resources in British Columbia,” he said.
“We look forward to promoting our capabilities as a quality supplier of automation technology at CME.”
RCT will be available to meet with delegates at stand R8-07 (Arena 2) at the McIntyre Community Centre in Timmins from June 5 – 6.
RCT today announced its ControlMaster® Teleremote solution has been selected by Canada’s largest diversified mining company, Teck Resources Limited (Teck) for use at one of its steelmaking coal operations in British Columbia’s Elk Valley region.
The ControlMaster® Teleremote solutions were installed on a CAT D11T dozer and a CAT 390D hydraulic excavator, operating at the open pit steelmaking coal truck and shovel operation at Teck’s Coal Mountain Operations.
The technology supports safe production at the operation, as equipment can be operated remotely in areas that are deemed unsafe for human operators.
RCT integrated a communication network into the Teck’s existing wireless network to facilitate the remote functions of the machines.
In addition, RCT’s Custom department played a part in the project as it was the first excavator of this model that the company has completed an install on.
RCT’s VP of Business Development for Canada, Vern Deveau said the solution provided to Teck met the client’s requirements and operators were impressed with the custom Teleremote solutions.
In addition, RCT’s solutions effortlessly connected to Coal Mountain’s network infrastructure, making the remote features seamless, he said.
The project and training were delivered ahead of schedule with positive feedback received from Teck staff on site.
Customer support will be provided locally by RCT’s Ontario branch that will carry out servicing and any support required by Teck going forward.
Teck is also assessing the viability of implementing the same technology at other operations.
Thousands of people flocked to Timmins for the Canadian Mining Expo (CME) – The Big Event held at the McIntyre Community Building last week where RCT was exhibiting for the second year in a row.
RCT was one of more than 400 exhibitors to partake in the annual event, and it was a busy few days for the team.
“We always enjoy partaking in this event as there is a real sense of community,” said RCT’s Regional Manager for North America, Andrew Sells.
RCT’s Canada branch has been in operation for 18 months and it’s the second time the company has taken part in this well-known event.
“There was a lot of interest from visitors about our Automation range. People really like that our solutions are so versatile and can be installed on any machine, regardless or make or model,” added Sells.
