A collaboration between Zedelef, a manufacturer of optical sensor technology, the Faculty of Engineering University of New South Wales (UNSW), and Thales (Australia) for its potential application of its sensor telemetry technology in longwall mining and other extreme environments, has been successful in the first round of CRC-P funding announced in July 2016.

The novel transducing technology developed in the proposed project enables a new generation of optical sensor networks. The initial application is marine, but the same technology may have even greater potential in the mining industry.

Along with its innovation focus, the industry-led research project has potential to enhance the METS industry by strengthening the engagement and collaborative links between universities, industry and other METS SMEs in the mining services supply chain.

Earlier this year, it was announced that CRC-P projects aligned to Industry Growth Centres will be prioritised – an approach welcomed by METS Ignited.

Picture courtesy of Famur, supplier of longwall systems.