The industry’s largest global mining event is nearly upon us and RCT is gearing up to showcase at the world-renowned MINExpo held in Las Vegas, Nevada USA.
From September 24 – 26, RCT and be found at booth 11075 where we will be showcasing our industry-leading agnostic automation for both the surface and underground mine sites, our state-of-the-art Collision Avoidance and MIC as well as our Data and Information Systems.
“RCT is invested in advancing businesses by integrating our state-of-the-art solutions designed for any machine make or model and this is what makes us stand apart from our competitors,” said RCT’s Global Development Manager, Ryan Noden.
“This and the fact we support our clients and solutions throughout the process is also what sets us apart from our competitors,” he added.
This year’s MINExpo’s tagline is “Innovation lives here” which sums up what RCT has done for the last 50 years, to remain cutting-edge.
RCT’s main attraction will be our two Automation Centres at the booth, one displaying our automation at work on the surface of a mine and an underground environment.
As well as exploring all our cutting-edge solutions on display, available for all mobile mining machines, regardless of make or models, there is the opportunity to meet with RCT’s team of industry experts.
This includes, RCT’s Executive Director and Founder, Bob Muirhead who has more than 50 years’ experience in the industry, inventing, producing and refining mining technology solutions to improve safety and productivity on sites.
Joining Bob will be our experienced and knowledgeable sales team from RCT’s branches all over the world including, Ryan Noden, Aaron McIntosh and Kole Paulin. In addition to this, our Product Specialists Brendon Cullen and Andrew Sells will be on hand to answer any of your questions.
If you would like to reach out and book an appointment with one of the team, please register your interest by emailing: xxxxxxxxx@xxx-xxxxxx.xxx. Otherwise, we look forward to welcoming you to our booth and help you explore our transformative, agnostic solutions at MINExpo next month.
Hillgrove Resources’ (ASX: HGO) Kanmantoo Copper Mine not only recently came out of care and maintenance, but it transitioned from previous open pit mining operations to underground mining with the help of RCT.
It was this change in the method of mining that saw Hillgrove Resources implement automation technology on site to safeguard its operators as they converted to targeting resources underground.
RCT was chosen for the job and our state-of-the-art Automation was installed on two of its CAT2900 Load Haul Dump machines.
The implementation of this technology has allowed operators to operate the machines from the safety of an Automation Centre, located away from the active mining area.
“Removing the operators from the working area safeguards them,” said RCT’s Account Manager, Phill Dean.
The project was well structured and executed with RCT’s technology solution which makes it streamlined for any mine site.
In addition to this, training was carried out with operators and maintenance teams on site to ensure they could be self-sufficient with the technology and allowing them to get the most from the technology.
Our talented Field Service Technician, Dan Soh took the lead with the first LHD/Tele Cabin conversion installation and was recognised by the client for his exceptional skill set.
“He was able to answer all the clients’ questions and installed the technology and cabin on time with minimal assistance,” said Mr Dean.
Hillgrove Resources have also requested RCT complete another install on a third site-based machine currently in the final stages of completion.
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
Barminco has enlisted RCT to carry out what is believed to be the world’s first agnostic remote installation on CAT’s Hybrid underground loader.
The mining services company will be using the R2900XE loader which has a diesel engine and electric driveline at the IGO-owned Spotted Quoll underground mine.
“Technology and innovation are two of Barminco’s core components, so it made sense they chose RCT to carry out the installation of this automation project,” said RCT’s Kalgoorlie Branch Manager, Rick Radcliffe.
“We are receiving a lot of interest in this project as it is a hybrid loader which reduces fuel burn resulting in low diesel particulates which is something companies are looking at doing to mine more sustainably in the future,” he said.
This project is currently underway with RCT’s Kalgoorlie branch completing the installation.
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The Avebury nickel sulphide project has come out of care and maintenance after 10 long years and has stepped into the future of mining with the help of RCT.
The Mallee-owned nickel sulphide project has empowered the site by installing RCT’s Digital Automation on three of its Sandvik 517i Loaders on site. Together with the deployment of two Automation Stations; removing operators from the cab of the machine and into an ergonomic and safe environment.
This technology will catapult the site into the future increasing productivity and safety and transforming the operator’s mining experience for the better.
“RCT was chosen for the project due to numerous reasons including our ability to install solutions on any brand of machine, fast set-up time, and ability to deliver fast,” said RCT’s Account Manager, Wayne Carrington.
The site’s goal is to run on 100 per cent electric underground and in doing so effectively run a mine of the future.
Avebury has one of the two Automation Centres operating from surface so operators can control machines without having to go underground.
“This dramatically reduces shift changeover time, ensure operator safety further and drive productivity,” said Mr Carrington.
RCT’s state-of-the-art solutions have been in operation at the site for many months and already the site has seen a productivity increase.
The Avebury site has basically started from scratch in terms of beginning to mine the site again.
“We don’t get very many new mines into the fold, so it was great to be able to supply them
with the best of our technology to start their mining journey,” said Mr Carrington.
“RCT technology is agile, and they can use it for many years to come,” he said.
RCT has deployed a state-of-the-art Teleremote dozer on European soil.
Currently operating at a multi-metal mine in Finland, the ControlMaster® technology was chosen for numerous reasons including its durability, interoperability, and high level of customer support.
The decision to implement the technology on a D11T dozer was in line with the site’s automation strategy going forward and its focus on improving overall employee wellbeing.
“The site experiences extreme temperatures and has legislation in place surrounding dust control,” said RCT’s BDM Mike Thomas.
This legislation, while necessary for operators’ health, does significantly reduce the amount of time an operator can work each day while operating manually from the cab of the machine.
The mine site was after a solution, and they looked to RCT for one that addressed all their requirements.
Implementing RCT’s ControlMaster® Teleremote technology, removes the operator from the machine itself and relocates them to a safe, ergonomic working environment. In this instance, workers at a state-of-the-art Automation centre located within the mine operations, keeping them safe from harsh weather conditions and exposure to dust.
“The technology is extremely robust, which means it can operate effectively in extreme weather conditions such as the -50 degrees experienced on site. It’s fit-for-purpose, designed to cater to mining clients, all over the world,” said Mr Thomas.
“In addition to this, ControlMaster® is extremely flexible with third-party networks and other solutions which is what makes the technology stand out from competitors,” he said.
The technology has been well received on-site with all operators very happy with the implementation.
The new way of working on site has been fully embraced by operators.
“They are investing in their future and the way to do work to look after their employees now and in the future,” he added.
Operations are now more efficient and safer for a Western Australia-based Earth Moving team thanks to the deployment of a ControlMaster® remote-controlled technology package to an Amphiroll Mud Scroller.
The mud scroller, used to aerate the caustic mud of the tailings pond to dry it out, was previously a manual operation requiring two machines operating at one time for personnel safety reasons.
The ControlMaster® Line-of-Sight solution has removed the operator from the cabin and allows them to control the machine from up to 200M line of sight. This custom one-off kit was designed, supplied, and installed by both the Perth Customer Service and RCT Custom team, the company’s designated bespoke solutions department.
“This solution removes operators from any potential danger that could arise from them physically being out on a tailings pond and allows them to instead carry out the task from the safety of a light vehicle located nearby,” said RCT’s Account Manager, Phill Dean.
The introduction of this technology has also dramatically changed how the Mud Scroller is transported to various sites.
“Previously amphirolls were twice the size requiring oversize movement permits and weighed about 18 tonnes so moving this piece of machinery required large multi-lift crane operation.” he said.
“Now, the logistics of moving the small unit is easier and only requires a large tile tray and this in itself reduces mobilisation costs substantially.”
As well as deploying the ControlMaster® technology. RCT designed, manufactured, and installed the EarthTrack® custom dashboard.
“This dashboard was designed to display all the integral information in an easy-to-read format. It will let the operator know the pump pressures, engine temps, fuel level and an overall live health report,” he said.
The new and improved mud scroller remote solution was deployed at the beginning of the year in trials and is being used today with great success to value add to their long-term clients.
The commute to work has just got easier for Gold Fields’ Granny Smith operators after securing RCT’s cutting-edge Remote Operations Centre (ROC) to manage some of its mobile equipment fleet from its Perth head office – an astounding 740km away from site.
This major advancement will revolutionise the way they do mining by allowing operators to control or supervise semi-autonomous fleet activities in real-time from the comfort and convenience of a central office location.
The digital ROC’s deployment represents the next major development in Gold Field’s autonomous mining operations and enables their personnel to work effectively from a major city which makes the job more accessible to a wide range of workers and reduces the company’s carbon footprint.
The project is made possible by RCT’s ControlMaster® digital automation solution which is already utilised by Gold Fields to manage its underground loader fleet from the mine’s surface.
However, the digital ROC technology means Gold Fields can offer significantly more flexible working arrangements and accommodate work/life balance requirements among their workforce.
Initial testing proved the ROC can instantaneously manage multiple underground loaders at one time operating in different locations within the underground mining complex.
The digital ROC technology means Gold Fields’ operators will be able to access ControlMaster®’s latest features as they are released which will help enhance semi-autonomous fleet operations onsite.
RCT and Gold Fields’ engineers worked together to implement the ROC and link it with the mine site through Gold Fields’ secure, dedicated network.
“The Perth Remote Operations Centre (ROC) started as a proof-of-concept trial following the digital upgrades project in December 2021. The ROC was aimed at showcasing Gold Fields Australia’s network capability and RCT’s digital operating technology but has now opened the doors to exploring future avenues in how we work at our underground operations,” said Granny Smith’s Mine Manager Michael Place.
RCT Account Manager Scott Phillips said the ControlMaster® ROC incorporates RCT’s latest digital technology which will fully empower Gold Fields to fulfil its mining fleet needs going forward.
“We are pleased to help Gold Fields take this next major step in their autonomous mining journey and implement technology that brings about major operational efficiencies,” said Mr Phillips.
“This project is only the beginning, and we look forward to working closely with Gold Fields to advance their mining operations in the future,” said Mr Phillips.
A well-known mine in New South Wales now operates an autonomous dozer fleet safely and efficiently thanks to the deployment of RCT’s latest solutions.
The technology empowers equipment operators to stand at a safe vantage point overlooking the work zone and direct the dozer fleet to maintain a tailings dam wall on site.
The project means the autonomous dozers can push the top of the tailings dam wall and work close to edges in a way that was impossible to achieve safely with operators in the machine’s cab.
Mine management selected RCT’s ControlMaster® solution over global OEM tenders due to the technology’s ability to be repurposed to other mining equipment based on changing fleet demands in the future.
RCT’s Customer Service team recently mobilised to the site and commissioned ControlMaster® onto two Cat D8T dozers and are continuing to support the site on an ongoing basis.
RCT Account Manager Wayne Carrington said the project is just the latest in a successful business relationship with the mine which stretches back many years.
“We are very pleased to provide the site with fit-for-purpose technology which safeguards their personnel while enabling them to complete vital works,” he said.
“The feedback from site has been very positive with the operators loving the functionality of the solution and management is reporting that they are meeting their targets.”
“The ControlMaster® technology is vital to the success of this tailings dam project but in the future, the solution can easily be integrated with any other piece of mining equipment and provide additional benefits to the mine.”
Operators at Bathopele mine in Rustenburg, South Africa are now operating an Autonomous Battery Electric Loader in what is believed to be a world first.
RCT together with a South African OEM installed the AutoNav agnostic equipment automation onto the electric loader and delivered RCT’s AutoNav Centre into an office on the surface. This removes the need for operators to be in a potentially hazardous mining working conditions and allows them to use the latest in cutting-edge technology to retrieve ore at the platinum mine.
In addition to this, RCT Connect, a specialised underground communications network was also implemented to further enhance autonomous operations and improve overall connectivity at the mine; something that was integral at the remote site.
The site’s decision to implement this level of technology was necessary to navigate a unique mining situation.
“The mine is looking towards cleaner energy in pursuit of decarbonisation, and creating a safer working environment, by introducing battery electric technology onto their fleet,” said RCT’s Africa BDM Mike Thomas.
The new addition of the electric loader is by far the most futuristic way of mining. When coupled with RCT’s automation systems, it will see operators relocate from the machine operating in a confined situation and relocate them to the comfort of an Automation Centre on the surface.
“The Automation Centre situated on the surface, provides a vastly improved ergonomic environment for the machine operators when compared with the cab of an ultra-low profile loader,” he said.
In addition to the benefits to the operator. The addition of the battery-electric hydrostatically driven loader reduces diesel particulates underground.
"The Automation system has engaged and empowered the operator and maintenance teams on site,” said RCT’s RCT's Product Manager, Paul Taylor.
“The equipment is designed to be simple to set up, allowing the work area to expand and move as required without needing an RCT presence on site to do so. In addition to this, we set up support chat groups with the team on site giving them direct contact with the RCT technician workforce. This was paired with a VPN connection to the site so we can dial in and assist with any questions that they have from anywhere in the world.”
RCT’s automation is still the only proven, interoperable automation platform that can be integrated across any mobile equipment make, type or model and this latest project showcases the company’s ability to automate batter-electric fleets brilliantly.
Everyone on site, from upper management to the operators and maintenance crew has really embraced the new technology and learning a new skill.
“Training was of utmost importance to the site. The Bathopele team created a purpose-built test facility which provides an ideal environment for cold commissioning of the AutoNav smart technology, for the important operator and maintenance training and to build confidence levels of their teams,” said Mr Thomas.
“In addition to this, Sibanye-Stillwater created an educational video for workers detailing how to correctly use, service and take care of the technology on site.”
This technology puts the site in a great position to mine efficiently, and safely paves the way for the future of mining.
Sibanye-Stillwater assigned two female operators to control the Autonomous machine from the surface who have both been very accepting of the technology and found it easy to use.
“We view the multiple ergonomic and safety benefits of remote and autonomous operation as a significant enabler to our drive to create an inclusive operating environment that supports woman in mining,” said the team at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Bathopele mine.
“The right partnerships are key to any successful technology initiative of this nature, and we are extremely pleased with the partnership we have with RCT in this regard. Both their offsite and onsite support ensures that we’re able to overcome challenges effectively and give the technology the best chance of success.”
