Tag Archives: WA School of Mines

Hexagon and RCF Jolimont donate blasting tech to Curtin Uni and WASM

Hexagon and RCF Jolimont have teamed up to provide 1,920 Blast Movement Monitors, a GP5300 Detector Kit, HxGN MineMeasure sensor software and training, valued at A$1 million ($712,570), to Curtin University and the WA School of Mines.

Recently launched by Hexagon at MINExpo in Las Vegas, MineMeasure (pictured) allows mines to safely and accurately track blasts to minimise loss and dilution with blast movement sensor software. Measuring 3D blast movement and translating ore polygons with Blast Movement Monitors and GP5300 Detector Kit to account for displacement are, meanwhile, critical steps in achieving optimal ore yield, RCF Jolimont said.

“This is great news for mining students at WASM,” Rob Daw, Chief Technology Officer, Hexagon’s Mining division, said. “MineMeasure is the only portfolio of its type and generates significant profits for customers in every blast at over 120 open-pit mines globally.”

The ability to accurately track blast movement is a huge benefit for mines striving to be smarter and more sustainable. Blasting is a highly variable process and ore loss during blasting can cost mines millions of dollars in lost revenue per year. MineMeasure provides customers with accurate blast information that is used to recover all of a mine’s resources, allowing the valuable ore to be sent to the mill, avoiding dilution and misclassification, according to Hexagon.

Sabina Shugg, Director – Curtin Kalgoorlie Campus, said: “We are delighted with this donation from Hexagon and RCF Jolimont. It enables us to provide our students with training in this best practice blast measurement solution.”

Lex McArthur, from RCF Jolimont, said: “WASM is a recognised global leader in mining engineering studies and we are delighted to have provided part of the funding to enable this donation to come together.”

Fortescue to bring automation expertise to Curtin University WASM curriculum

A new partnership between Fortescue Metals Group and Curtin University’s WA School of Mines (WASM) will, FMG says, help shape the future of Australia’s mining workforce through a new forward-looking curriculum that meets the needs of the modern resources sector.

Fortescue Operations Improvement Manager, Dr Rob Solomon (pictured), has been appointed to the newly created role of Professor of Practice in Mining Automation and Data Analysis at WASM, leading a range of research initiatives and shaping undergraduate curriculum to drive the application of data science in mining, according to Fortescue.

In his current role with Fortescue, Dr Solomon leads a team looking into the operational efficiency of the company’s autonomous mining operations using data sets and advanced analytics.

Fortescue Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Gaines, said: “At Fortescue, we have a proud history of embracing technology and innovation which has been fundamental to driving sustained productivity, cost savings and improvements in safety across our business.

“The Australian resources sector is already among the most innovative in the world and through this partnership with Curtin University, we look forward to building a pipeline of job-ready graduates who are ready to challenge the status quo and help guarantee the long-term success of our industry.”

Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor, John Cordery, said the Mining Automation Professor of Practice will be integral to embedding WASM’s new future-focused curriculum.

“Dr Solomon brings a wealth of practical experience in operations, impressive academic credentials and a passion for ensuring that new technologies deliver a sustainable industry future,” Professor Cordery said. “His appointment will see us better able to deliver both content and teaching in mining automation and data analytics.

“The school’s mining and mining engineering courses are already considered among the world’s very best (ranking second in the world by subject) and we are confident Dr Solomon’s input as Professor of Practice in Mining Automation and Data Analysis will see us continue to be global leaders in those fields.”