MineARC Systems and Remote Control Technologies (RCT) are set to release a new range of products into the mining industry that offer an ‘all-in-one’ solution to clients. RCT, based in Perth, is a leading manufacturer and supplier of Control Master remote control and guidance systems for use in the mining industry. In signing a joint co-operation agreement, MineARC Systems and RCT aim to provide clients with an all in one solution – combining both respective products / technologies in one. Clients will now have the added option of purchasing a MineARC HRM refuge chamber with an internal fit out allowance for the installation of one of RCT’s custom designed remote control station; the Teleremote Control System (TCS).
The TCS is installed into the refuge chamber at MineARC’s production facility in Perth. The combination allows companies to operate the advanced TCS whilst inside a MineARC HRM refuge chamber. The all in one solution has been carefully designed and manufactured to enhance both sets of technologies. The benefits of purchasing an all-in-one solution include a financial advantage, as clients will be purchasing just one structure; that the combined end product is shipped directly to the client together; safety, as remote operators have immediate access to essential life support and emergency systems if required during an emergency; and a better operating environment as the chamber is more spacious with more room to move; and cleaner as the system housed within the refuge chamber’s filtered air system environment.
As written about in IM, Rio Tinto is expanding their trials of the new shaft and boring system aimed at reducing the time taken to excavate underground. The first Australian trial for the shaft boring system is expected to begin this year at the Northparkes copper and gold mine in partnership with Aker Wirth. To contribute to the trial, MineARC has designed and manufactured a 16 person refuge chamber (TBM 16), that sits on the tunnel boring machine to be used as a safe refuge for operators. Although MineARC has been supplying refuge chambers to the tunnelling industry for many years, this is the first chamber for a tunnel boring machine designed especially for mining. The chamber supplied has been designed to meet all the requirements of the WA refuge chamber Guideline set out by the Department of Mines & Petroleum (DMP). In addition MineARC has designed and custom built the chamber to the exact configuration requested by the client.