Autonomous solutions provider RCT and underground mining specialist GBF have marked 10 years of working together to implement autonomous technology into underground mining operations.
Since 2009, when GBF & RCT conducted underground trials of the ControlMaster® Guidance Automation system at Gold Fields Caves Rock mining operations, RCT has delivered 19 Autonomous systems including Sandvik LH203s, CAT 2900Gs, R1700s, R1700Gs and R1300Gs at multiple GBF-run mine sites throughout Western Australia’s Goldfields.
The work collectively amounts to roughly 15,000 hours of machines operating on Guidance Automation within GBF-run operations.
ControlMaster® Guidance Automation has seen numerous software iterations over its product life starting with dynamic operator engagement, surface control to Independent autonomous tramming and more recently multi machine control via RCT’s latest Automation offering.
GBF Maintenance Superintendent Alan Moyle, who played a key role in the initial trials and has seen the Guidance Automation system evolve over the last 10 years said RCT’s technology has significantly improved safe machine operations by removing personnel from the mine face as well as better operator fatigue control.
“Greater control features have reduced the amount of machine damage due to operator errors with consistent machine cycles enabling us to improve productivity and it provides us data when tendering for new contracts,” he said
“RCT have also provided multiple opportunities for GBF apprentices to gain experience with their latest modern technology which they have subsequently applied to their work.”
RCT Product Manager Automation & Control Brendon Cullen said GBF’s early adoption of RCT’s technology meant its operations have benefitted consistently as the product has evolved.
“GBF has been influential in driving features and improvements to the system over time and develop new features such as G-Dash which empower operator’s decision making by presenting a dashboard of the machinery in relation to its surrounding in real time,” he said
“GBF’s operators have also consistently provided feedback over time, resulting in improvements such as faster tramming times, better cornering speeds, more efficient braking and the evolution of the fully automated tramming cycle.
“As the mines are becoming deeper the drive to operate the machinery from the surface is becoming a key requirement to maximise production times. RCT continues to work in partnership with GBF to allow them to reach their goals as cost efficiently as possible using the technology available onsite at the time.”
Autonomous solutions provider RCT is working with its clients Gold Fields and Northern Star Resources to provide valuable hands-on training opportunities to apprentices in Western Australia’s Goldfields.
Over its 45-year history, RCT has employed many apprentices and other skilled workers to help provide fleet servicing, repair works, maintenance and installation services of remote-control systems and electrical items and equipment for mining companies around the world.
This month RCT’s Kalgoorlie branch is hosting Gold Fields apprentice Auto Electrician Michael Schoeppner who will carry out repair and maintenance work on remotely operated mining equipment under the guidance of RCT’s experienced workshop staff.
Gold Fields Executive Vice President Australasia, Stuart Mathews said “Gold Fields is committed to team development, and we are delighted our apprentices have the opportunity to work with our business partners to receive valuable training, mentoring and experience.”
Following his training experience, Michael will be able to apply his new skills to benefit Gold Fields’ projects in the region, where there is a continued emphasis on the use of remote technologies to improve safety and productivity in its mines.
RCT also has a similar arrangement with Northern Star Resources which saw apprentice Ben Ashby mentored by the company’s bench repair technicians at the Kalgoorlie branch earlier this month.
Ben’s experience centred on unit repairs and diagnosis with particular focus on repairing remote interfaces and elements of RCT’s ControlMaster® Teleremote and Guidance products.
Northern Star Resources Maintenance Manager Aaron Armstrong said the company is delighted that their apprentices have the opportunity to develop their skills with an experienced supplier.
“RCT has a wealth of in-house skills related to mobile plant equipment and electrical systems in the mining sector and we are happy they will share their knowledge with our tradespeople,” he said.
RCT Kalgoorlie Branch Manager Rick Radcliffe said both Michael and Ben were extremely polite and professional
individuals who took initiative and picked up instructions very quickly.
“These training opportunities enable staff from both companies to familiarise themselves with each other’s procedures and technical knowledge providing a strong base for future working relationships,” he said.
“We would be very happy to accommodate apprentices from Northern Star Resources and Gold Fields here at the Kalgoorlie office for future hands-on training experiences.”