Redpath Australia is utilising the industry-leading proven autonomous and interoperable mining fleet rolled out at the Rothsay Gold Mine in Western Australia in partnership with smart technology specialist RCT.
Redpath Australia selected RCT’s adaptive solutions in line with its technology roadmap which prioritises implementing innovative technology that enables mining companies to consistently improve their operations.
RCT has worked closely with Redpath Australia to implement its ControlMaster® Guidance solutions at the new narrow-vein gold mine in line with the ramp up of development works.
The underground mine is utilising three Sandvik LH203’s commissioned with ControlMaster® Guidance equipped with the latest AutoDump capabilities.
Site personnel are managing the loader fleet from two ControlMaster® Automation Centres equipped with Multiple Machine Control (MMC) functions enabling the operators to manage multiple loaders at once.
Operators can manage the loader fleet from either the Automation Centre on the surface of the mine or the second Automation Centre located in a secure underground work zone.
Redpath General Manager, Rory Burke, said that the successful implementation of automating the narrow vein loader fleet at the Rothsay Gold Mine is integral for the success of the mine.
“Being able to operate multiple loaders from the surface greatly improves safety and productivity and especially provides operators with a more ergonomic and comfortable position from which to operate the loaders,” Mr Burke said.
“The ease of set up has been very impressive and we look forward to continuously improving output in production and development loading.”
RCT Account Manager Scott Phillips said the proven autonomous technology will enable highly efficient production activities going forward.
“Right from the beginning, ControlMaster® puts the Rothsay Gold Mine on a path to full mine digitisation enabling site management to integrate it with other mine systems and scale the technology as the mine evolves,” he said.
“Managing the loader fleet from the mine’s surface enables site to continue production through firing times while also relocating operators to a safer work environment.”
“RCT’s technology is demonstrating fast autonomous tramming cycles providing consistently high bucket counts over the entire shift with clear, instantaneous communications between the loader and the surface at all times.”
“In addition, RCT’s ControlMaster® technology has eliminated damage to the loaders when the machines are operating in the Rothsay Gold Mine’s tight drives.”
“RCT’s technology will also maintain machine availability across the fleet which is essential to sustain high production rates.”
RCT has provided comprehensive training packages to Redpath Australia’s machine operators and maintenance personnel and will continue to provide ongoing technical assistance over the life of the project.
Autonomous solutions specialist RCT has been selected by Redpath Australia as its preferred technology partner at its recently awarded new underground operation, Rothsay gold mine in Western Australia.
RCT will commission its advanced autonomous technology ControlMaster® Guidance Automation with the latest Auto Dump feature onto three Sandvik LH203 underground loaders to operate in the planned narrow-vein underground mine.
RCT will install two ControlMaster® Automation Centres complete with Multiple Machine Control (MMC) capabilities enabling a single machine operator to manage the loader fleet from either the mine’s surface or secure work zones within the mine.
RCT Mining Account Manager Scott Phillips said they are pleased to implement the latest autonomous offering and put the operation on a pathway to full mine digitalisation.
“Guidance Automation with MMC is an ideal solution for this site as it will allow Redpath to leverage from RCT’s latest digital and automation features, increase productivity of their operators and loader fleet all whilst reducing damage associated with remote production when operating in very narrow drives.
“The plan to utilise RCT’s Surface Control Solution will allow Redpath to stay productive and capture the lost time during shift change and firing usually associated with underground remoting.”
Redpath Australia Managing Director Gavin Ramage has commented: “Redpath Australia look forward to partnering with RCT, in delivering semi-autonomous solutions to our underground project at Rothsay Gold Mine in Western Australia.”
“Automation is an important innovation component of our business as it allows productivity to remain consistent across shift change and firing.”
“The adoption of emerging technology such as this reinforces our commitment towards the implementation of our ‘technology roadmap’ over the next three years.”