PT Bukit Teknologi Digital (BTech), a subsidiary and the research and development (R&D) arm of PT Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk (Delta Dunia Group), has signed a research services agreement with The University of Queensland (UQ) to drive innovation and sustainability in the mining sector.

This collaboration synergises BTech’s advanced mining analytics with UQ’s world-class research capabilities, closely aligning with Delta Dunia Group’s focus on technology as a core growth lever, Delta Dunia says. Together, the research is strategically positioned to significantly enhance operational excellence and sustainability within Delta Dunia Group.

This joint research will focus on developing a robust framework for Asset Health Indicators that accurately determine the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of critical equipment components. Insights into component and asset health is crucial to effective maintenance, extending component lifecycle sustainably and optimising fleet management.

To address the challenges of unplanned downtime and costly repairs in mining operations of the Delta Dunia Group, this research will  conduct an in-depth analysis using data analytics, machine learning-based failure detection, component health indexing with key parameters, and the optimization of RUL and component lifetime.

Endang Veronica, President Director at BTech (pictured on the left), said: “We are excited to partner with The University of Queensland, one of the leading universities in Australia known for its world-class research expertise. As a growing mining technology company, we are committed to investing in various innovations that enhance our end-to-end, cutting-edge solutions for our clients. This collaboration with UQ marks a milestone in our journey towards technological excellence in mining. By integrating pioneering research with our operational expertise,
we are setting new industry standards for reliability and sustainability.”

Since its spin-off in 2023, BTech has collaborated with the operating companies of Delta Dunia Group in Indonesia and Australia through a comprehensive suite of initiatives across asset management, safety, health and environment (SHE), people management and mine engineering. BTech’s strength lies in using tailored analytics to optimise operational excellence and enhance sustainability performance, it says.

Professor Sue Harrison (pictured on the right), Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Architecture and Information Technology at UQ, stated, “We are thrilled to establish this important collaboration with an Indonesian company, especially in the mining sector. This partnership marks a significant step for The University of Queensland in fostering global innovation. Advancing predictive maintenance is critical in optimising mining operations, and we are excited to partner with BTech in this research, which has the potential to drive new industry milestones.

“Together, we aim to deliver solutions that enhance equipment reliability while driving sustainable practices in the mining sector.”

UQ is one of Australia’s top research-intensive universities, with an emphasis on high-quality, interdisciplinary global collaboration with public and private organizations. The School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering at UQ offers extensive expertise in mining-related research, particularly in RUL and predictive maintenance. Its research spans systems simulation, sensing technologies, strategic and tactical planning of mining systems, which support advancements in asset reliability and operational efficiency.

The partnership between BTech and UQ highlights Delta Dunia Group’s commitment to deepening connections with Australia, extending beyond business operations to collaborative R&D projects centered on sustainable practices and innovative advancements, it says. On  September 20, 2024, the group signed an Umbrella Agreement with UQ designed to benefit stakeholders in Indonesia and Australia  significantly. This agreement underpins research initiatives across all Delta Dunia Group subsidiaries, driving advancements in sustainable mining practices, workforce innovation and the integration of cutting-edge technologies.