Caason Group says it and LDO Group are to explore next-generation technology to improve underground mining operations with a renewed commercial relationship.

LDO, based in New South Wales, Australia, is a mining industry innovator and tunnelling expert, according to Caason. It is has been the exclusive distributor of Canada-made Rokion battery-powered vehicles in Australasia since 2018, having recently helped introduce a Rokion R400 to the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance Broadmeadow mine, in the Bowen Basin.

“LDO also specialises in systems, processes, mine planning and training, which is aligned with Caason Group’s HardRock Coal Mining interests (mining lease in Tasmania),” Caason Group said.

HardRock Coal Mining Pty Ltd, established in 2011 by Caason Group, is set to become Tasmania’s premier coal exporter, Caason says. It currently leases a 27,000 ha site in the Fingal Valley from the Tasmanian Government. At full production, the mine will deliver an initial 1 Mt/y of export quality thermal coal, according to the company.