MineARC recently released two new refuge models aimed at the coal mining industry in Australia/NZ, the new CoalSAFE refuge chamber and the Change-Over-Station (COS). The MineARC COS is designed to facilitate self-escape from the mine during an emergency. Stocked with up to 40 self rescuers (SCSRs) and a CABA quick-fill-station, the COS’s ‘walk-through’ layout aids miners and other personnel in stepping out of the mine, and out of harms way. Also, the company says its new CoalSAFE “is the only refuge chamber in the world able to provide intrinsically safe scrubbing (CO/CO2) and cooling – both are vital to the ongoing life support.”

In some emergency situations however, personnel are simply unable to exit the mine. Explosions, rock-falls, fires, the release of smoke and other forms of toxic gas (e.g. methane) – all of which can cause escape routes to become blocked, as well cause injury and/or leave personnel simply overwhelmed. In these sorts of situations the CoalSAFE refuge chamber is designed to provide a safe and secure ‘go-to’ area for personnel to gather and await extraction – providing safe refuge for up to 96 hours standalone.

MineARC has been announced as a finalist in the Western Australian Industry and Export Awards for the second year running. Shortlisted in the Large Advanced Manufacturer Award and the Marketing and Design Excellence Award categories in 2011, MineARC has been recognised for its significant contribution to the Australian export sector over the past year.

In 2010 MineARC was named the winner of the Small to Medium Manufacturer award category, which highlights the company’s significant growth over the past year. The award reflects MineARC’s expansion into global export markets since the company’s inception in 1999. MineARC now exports to over 30 countries across five continents; supplying refuge chambers and other life-saving industrial safety solutions to many of the world’s top underground mines, as well as tunnelling projects and chemical processing facilities.

Managing Director, Geoff Whittaker: “We’re obviously delighted to make the shortlist again this year. The WA Export Awards recognise the hard work everyone has put in over the past year and of course adds to our global reputation.”

Expanding its export potential, MineARC South Africa is entering into a joint venture with locally based company, ABC Ventilation Systems. With a customer base extending from South Africa through to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), ABC offers MineARC the opportunity expand its business dramatically and is an exciting step forward for both companies.

Established in 2002, ABC Ventilation Systems provides products and product support, installation training on-site, assessment and auditing on mines’ current ventilation practices and follow up audits on installation of ABC products. ABC are committed to design, development and production of high performance coated fabrics and ventilation ducting products for underground mining and tunneling. Drawing on three decades of experience from parent company, ABC Canada, and fully integrated manufacturing capabilities, ABC are well positioned to meet all customers’ quality and service requirements.

In South America, March of this year saw MineARC expand its operations more permanently in Chile with the establishment of an office and warehouse facility located in Santiago. After a long history of business within Chile and an extensive and loyal customer base established here, MineARC has made the move in order to make itself more accessible and responsive to the needs of our clients operating in Chile, and throughout the rest of South America.

MineARC was the first company to supply a refuge chamber in 2005 to mining company, Minera Coal. Since then MineARC has established it’s self as a leader in its field and now supplies over 30 mining companies throughout South America.

Establishing the Santiago office has allowed MineARC and it’s locally based staff to improve lead times for its customers and the warehousing capability now allows for a greater volume of stock to be held making operations more streamlined, with reduced waiting times for customers. Not only this, but MineARCs’ local workforce means that customers are now able to receive the most up to date information and training: a huge advantage for all involved.

The Chilean team are a highly knowledgeable and experienced group, dedicated to providing customers with the best service possible. General Manger, Marcial Ohaco, a mechanical engineer with extensive experience in mining supply, is responsible for capital sales and the day-to-day running of operations. Gustavo Carvalho, an electrical engineer, is now responsible for after-market support and service; utilising his four years experience with the company and extensive technical knowledge of the product. The business administration side of the company is managed by Claudia Selame who has more than twenty years experience and degrees in both business administration and accounting.

MineARC South America is supported in Peru by distributor Pathros Representaciones. Managing Director Mario Santander has worked closely with MineARC for over three years and sold the first refuge chambers in Peru to Hochschilds Mining in Arequipa. Mario is assisted by a full time MineARC engineer who provides technical assistance and service to customers within the region. With the newly enacted legislation in Peru requiring all mines to have 72 hour duration refuge chambers, MineARC is seeing Peruvian mining companies such as Pan America and MINSUR look to MineARC for their refuge chamber needs.