Following a year of consultation between its engineers and staff at Xstrata Mount Isa Mines, Mount Isa has issued a formal purchase order for 96 of Advanced Braking Technology’s (ABT) SIBS fail-safe brake sets so that they may be fitted to the  entire fleet of Toyota Landcruisers used in its underground operations at the George Fisher mine. The value of the purchase order is some A$800,000 and delivery will occur prior to the end of this year.

Mount Isa Mines is an established long term user of SIBS. Following a comprehensive review of its vehicle safety procedures it sought from ABT some additional product features in its SIBS brake design in order to further enhance vehicle safety and also improve operational reliability.

ABT responded to the company’s requirements and has developed an upgraded brake design which it will be now offering to all its customers. The new design has been called SIBS II and incorporates a range of design improvements. These design improvements contribute to providing additional improvements in vehicle safety. An upgraded operator interface will enhance the safety and control aspects of the fail safe brake units. Other features will improve the serviceability of the brake units, extend service intervals and reduce vehicle servicing downtime.

ABT’s CEO, Ken Johnsen, stated “ABT is pleased to be able to support Xstrata Mount Isa Mines as a long-term customer and one of the pioneers in adopting SIBS across its Landcruiser fleet in Australia five years ago. We have been able to respond to Xstrata’s input on areas of increased safety features and the changes implemented will be phased in as standard on ABT’s SIBS II product range. The intrinsic benefits of the SIBS design together with the new enhancements offers improved safety benefits in the reduction of uncontrolled vehicle movement through fail safe braking feature. The enclosed design minimises the risk of mal adjusted brakes and provides reliable and consistent braking in the harsh underground conditions.”