The leading independent OEM of automation solutions RCT and Western Australian mining company Northern Star Resources Limited (Northern Star Resources), (ASX:NST), are excited about the success of a recent autonomous technology trial in the state’s Goldfields.
In early October RCT set up a ControlMaster® Automation Centre at the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) in Kalgoorlie with a network connection to an underground loader equipped with ControlMaster® Guidance Automation at the East Kunduna Joint Venture (EKJV) mine.
EKJV is a joint venture between Northern Star Resources, Tribune Resources Limited and Rand Mining Limited, managed by Northern Star Resources and is located approximately 40km away from Kalgoorlie.
The project to set up a Remote Operations Centre (ROC) was a combined effort by technical specialists from RCT and Northern Star Resources.
Once operational, a Northern Star Resources equipment operator controlled the ControlMaster® Guidance Loader from the WASM Kalgoorlie facility and resumed site required remote production rates.
Northern Star Resources currently utilises ControlMaster® Guidance Automation on its underground loader fleet at the EKJV from an onsite Surface Control System.
The trial is a history making event for the Goldfields region and represents an exciting opportunity for both Northern Star Resources and RCT and what can be achieved through the use of Smart Technology.
RCT Kalgoorlie Branch Manager Rick Radcliffe said the trial was an overwhelming success.
“We have a very good relationship with Northern Star Resources and when RCT approached Northern Star Resources about the possibility of utilising the Automation Centre from Kalgoorlie, they were only too happy to accommodate this request and put systems in place to make it happen,” Mr Radcliffe said.
“This trial has helped both businesses to understand what future opportunities there are in autonomous technology which is not only exciting for both business but the local Goldfields community as well.”
“To conduct the trial from the WA School of Mines is also a story worth sharing with the wider mining and METS community, to showcase the great innovation coming from the west Australian goldfields region.”
“ROCs represent great job opportunities for members of the labour force who traditionally would not be able to work on a mine site due to various lifestyle or personal factors.”
Chief Executive Officer of Northern Star Resources, Stuart Tonkin, said “We’re excited to work with RCT to turn theory into practice and enhance safety and productivity for our underground remote loading activity.
“Remote Operating Centres are proven for surface operations, but this advancement for an underground application is a significant development led by RCT in the Kalgoorlie Goldfields.
“Northern Star Resources encourages continual improvement and innovation, and we are very pleased with RCT’s commitment to developing practical mining solutions.”
RCT continues to provide after sale support to many major mining companies throughout the region from its office in Kalgoorlie.
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.”