RCT is proud to announce its latest project with underground contract miner Barminco Limited at the AGAA-owned Sunrise Dam Gold Mine in Western Australia.
The Sunrise Dam project is no stranger to RCT’s Smart Technology with ControlMaster® Guidance Automation already deployed across its SANDVIK and CAT loader fleet, controlled from RCT’s underground and surface operator stations positioned throughout the mine.
The latest project will see the implementation of a number of innovative enhancements, including the delivery of Multiple Machine Selection (MMS) and Multiple Machine Control (MMC), operated via RCT’s latest communication offer RCT Bridge.
Three of the site’s loaders will be equipped with RCT’s Bridge technology as part of Sunrise Dam’s stage one rollout of the technology. RCT Bridge is the upgrade path to digitisation and will allow an IP stream to be transmitted over the existing analogue network; enabling large volumes of information to be transmitted and received promptly at RCT’s Automation Area Cabinets (AAC).
RCT Bridge was required to upgrade the mine’s network; to support the latest autonomous features and delivers further value to the customer with minimal investment or the need to move to a full-scale digital network in the work area.
In addition to this, the existing surface control station will be upgraded to an Automation Control Centre designed with operator ergonomics in mind.
MMS and MMC will allow an operator to control multiple machines from the one station to increase efficiency and productivity on site.
Installation is scheduled for early July.
Stay tuned for more on this project…
The mining industry is turning to digitisation in order to optimise efficiencies to increase productivity and profitability. RCT’s latest Communications Solutions offering ensures it can help clients enter, expand or completely digitise its operations by integrating solutions to a new or existing network.
RCT’s point of difference is its versatility with its extensive range of solutions to individual requirements and fortunately, it is just as agile with its Communications Solutions suite.
“We understand that not every site is the same; so it was important that we can cater to different mine sites and their impending needs, while still being able to accommodate any future developments,” said RCT’s Automation and Control Product Manager Brendon Cullen.
“RCT’s agility and adaptability to individual requirements are what sets us apart from the competition. It’s the flexibility of our technology offering that allows us to integrate all pieces of equipment and systems to tailor to individuals needs and our communications offer is no exception,” he said.
RCT’s Communications Solutions suite comprises of four offerings – Analogue, RCT Bridge, RCT Connect and Integration – all of which add significant value to clients operating autonomous machines on site.
Analogue is the traditional, simple and economical communication solution that allows for both analogue vision and autonomous machine control on a secure distributed antenna network. While RCT Bridge acts as a stepping stone to full digitisation by integrating with the existing analogue network on site to deliver larger volumes of machine data. For customers wanting the full-scale digital communications solution, there is RCT Connect. This will see RCT roll out a secure WiFi communication network (operating between 2.4 and 5.8Ghz) from the machine’s work area to the operator control station to guarantee autonomous machine performance for existing and future loader and truck fleets.
The fourth option is Integration with site network, where RCT collaborates with the customer to interface the technology into the existing digital network; with the ability to interface Long Term Evolution (LTE), underground WiFi and mesh networks with fibre optics or Ethernet infrastructure for surface or central control regardless if it is controlled by a third party of the site itself.
“The adaptability of the Communications Suite empowers clients to make step-by-step changes, they don’t necessarily have to fully digitise their mine straight away,” said Mr Cullen.
RCT’s Communication Solutions also facilitates real-time feedback and reporting to enable decisions to be made quickly, ensuring targets are met and machine maintenance can be predicted to significantly reduce unplanned downtime.
“Digital connectivity enables RCT to gather data pertaining to machine operating parameters, meaning failures can be flagged before they occur and our service departments are able to remotely diagnose failures and assist with repairs if required.”
“The investment in digitisation is justified by specific outcomes such as fewer breakdowns, decreased and unnecessary maintenance, and improved safety for both machinery and personnel, reduced operating costs and increased productivity,” he said.
RCT has been at the forefront of technology for 45 years and as the mining industry looks towards full digitalisation of it communication operations; the company will continue to be cutting edge.